By Nigel Maxwell

Gap identified in Saskatchewan’s Foster Family Program

Oct 22, 2010 | 11:15 AM

PA now staff

As Canada celebrates National Foster Families Week, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is raising some concerns with Saskatchewan's foster family program.

According to an FSIN news release, there is a need for more First Nations foster families.
Eighty per cent of kids in the province's welfare system are First Nations, yet less than 10 percent of foster families in Saskatchewan are.
Kyle Prettyshield is the FSIN's executive director of Health and Social Services.
He said from a cultural standpoint they prefer that First Nations kids are with First Nations families.
“A lot of first nations families are practicing their culture, traditions, and their language in their homes, so it comes down to a traditional knowledge aspect,” said Prettyshield.
Deb Davies, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association, said there are obstacles to recruiting First Nations foster families.
“I don't think the community understands the role foster families play, the only thing they hear is the negative media attention of the bad things that happen,” said Davies. She said she thinks the province could do a better job educating communities.
In recognition of National Foster Families week, the FSIN would like to thank the First Nation families who have already opened their homes to foster kids.
nmaxwell@rawlco.com