Reconciliation: The Kids are Here!

Abstract

Consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this paper describes children’s involvement in a historic human rights case that found the government of Canada guilty of racially discriminating against 163,000 First Nations children. Despite Canada’s efforts to discourage and bar young people from participating, children and youth were among the first and most engaged followers of the case, debunking the myth that children “can’t” or “shouldn’t” participate in legal matters. Children and youth who participate in social change activities benefit greatly from the experience, as do their communities. The participation of children and youth in the First Nations child welfare case demonstrates that young people are truly leaders in reconciliation and social justice; they teach us about how change really happens. Adults have a responsibility to facilitate exciting and creative ways to involve children in the social and legal processes that impact their lives.