The Change We
Want to See
We aspire for all children to thrive, to know that they are loved, and to have a sense of belonging. We want to see more children grow up with their family, their kin and their community, and be connected to their cultural heritage and language. We also want children who are placed in care to achieve better outcomes in health and well-being, education, housing, and employment. We envision a nation where everyone can reach their full potential.
Established in 1994, CWLC is a national, membership-based charitable organization dedicated to promoting the safety and well-being of young people and their families ⎼ especially those who are marginalized and systemically oppressed. The office of CWLC is located on unceded, unsurrendered Algonquin territory. Our staff and members are located across many Indigenous lands throughout Canada. We advocate for and promote legislation, policy, research, programs, and services that address the underlying causes of precarity and trauma. We convene leaders, organizations, researchers, governments, and people with lived experience to learn and improve our practices.
In all its actions, the CWLC will:
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Build collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities and leaders that acknowledge past harms and respect the inherent authority and jurisdiction of Indigenous peoples to care for children and families.
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Promote equity and inclusion and ensure that all children, especially those who are most vulnerable, are safe, thriving, and able to fulfill their potential.
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Respect, listen to and honour the resilience of children, youth, families, and elders with lived experience of residential schools, the 60s Scoop, and those who are and have been in care.
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Be allies to youth in and from care who are advocating for change and standing up for young people’s rights.
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Demonstrate exemplary leadership in advocating with and on behalf of vulnerable children, youth, and families – aligning its efforts with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the UN Convention on the Rights of Children, and fundamental human rights.
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Convene, engage and collaborate with a strong, diverse coalition of leaders and organizations to advance social justice.
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Champion excellence in identifying and disseminating practices, standards, and research that advance reconciliation, prevention, early intervention, family preservation, and cultural safety.
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Examine and be transparent about our own practices.
