Fatality report calls for more funding for Aboriginal youth in care

A fatality inquiry into the murder of a 17-year old Aboriginal ward of the calls for more funding for Aboriginal children in care. Judge F.K. MacDonald, who conducted the inquiry into the stabbing death of the youth dubbed “M,” which occurred Apr. 25, 2009, said, “The care of a youth like M would be a challenge for any organization, let alone one that is inadequately funded. I recommend that the Government of Alberta investigate whether or not such a funding disparity exists and if so, to enter into discussions with the Government of Canada to eliminate such a disparity.” At the time of his death, M was residing sporadically at Spirit of Our Youth Group Home,  where he was under the supervision of the Kasohkowew Child Wellness Society, a Delegated First Nations Agency. M, whose father is a member of the Samson Cree Nation and his mother a member of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation, had a long history of Child and Family Services Authority involvement.