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Innu Youth Deaths Spark Inquiry
22 Apr
Summary
- Six Innu youth from Natuashish died between 2015-2020.
- Child services system failures linked to all six deaths.
- Intergenerational trauma and solvent abuse were common factors.
Six young Innu individuals from the Mushuau Innu community of Natuashish, Labrador, all died before reaching their mid-20s between 2015 and 2020. Investigators Kenn Richard and Tara Petti identified 12 systemic issues within the child protection system that linked each of their deaths. These issues are rooted in the enduring impact of colonial legacies and intergenerational trauma.
The investigations revealed that child welfare interventions often prioritized removal over preventative measures. Many children were placed in out-of-province, for-profit care facilities, leading to cultural and linguistic disconnection. This displacement exacerbated existing traumas and isolation, failing to address the children's needs effectively.
Solvent abuse was a recurring complication in all six cases, intensifying downward spirals for the youth. The investigators emphasized the need for further research into addiction treatment and potential fuel modifications to combat this pervasive issue. The findings have spurred advocacy for a transition towards an Innu-led child services system, with provincial and federal governments urged to support this change.
Recent developments include new legislation affirming Indigenous nations' jurisdiction over child and family services, with its constitutionality confirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2024. This legal framework supports initiatives like the Innu Round Table Secretariat's work to transition control of the system.
