Common Histories forum

Berry Street, together with the Centre and the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), last week hosted a roundtable discussion on recent developments in child welfare in Canada and Victoria.

The event focused on what can be learnt from Canada about effective approaches to Aboriginal child welfare, with consideration of the development of the five year plan for out-of-home care in Victoria, guardianship of Aboriginal children and ways of supporting Aboriginal self-determination in child welfare.

Professor Brad McKenzie from University of Manitoba delivered the keynote presentation, describing how Canada has effectively worked with its First Nations people to offer effective and appropriate service delivery.

Professor McKenzie described the success of programs in Winnipeg, where indigenous people represent around 10% of the total population.

The Centre is committed to developing this partnership with Canadian experts to improve service provision for indigenous Australian families.