By Cindy Blackstock, Terry Cross, John George, Ivan Brown, and Jocelyn Formsma

“This document embodies an earnest intent to capture the wisdom of the
approximately 200 invited leaders who attended Reconciliation: Looking Back,
Reaching Forward—Indigenous Peoples and Child Welfare on October 26, 27, and
28, 2005, in Niagara Falls, Canada. It is intended to serve as a foundation for the
development of community-based action plans. We offer this document as the
testimony, and commitment, of those who understand that improving the lived
experience for Indigenous children, youth, and families necessarily requires the
improvement of the system that serves them.”