Poor housing, education causes of child poverty on First Nations

Poor housing and education are the main causes of the rampant poverty afflicting Saskatchewan First Nations children, says one leader.

“We all must provide these basic needs for our children. It’s very hurtful to see our people suffer,” said James Smith Cree Nation Chief Wally Burns.

Only 12 per cent of Canadian children live below the poverty line, but that number exceeds 50 per cent for Canadian First Nations children, according to a study released this week.

The numbers in Saskatchewan are even worse, with two-thirds of First Nations children living in poverty, according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) study.

Burns said there has been some progress in skills training, with the federal and provincial governments investing more than $7 million. However, federal funding promised last year for elementary and high school education across the country has not arrived.

Burns said the overcrowded housing situation on his reserve west of Prince Albert is worsening, and few funds are available for new construction or improvement.

Now, with heavy rains causing flooding and the evacuation of more than 60 band members, the housing situation is even more severe.

“We’ve had to set aside all of our other work to deal with the flooding,” he said.

Provincial Minister of the Economy Bill Boyd, when asked by reporters about the issue of First Nations child poverty on Wednesday, said “a lot more needs to be done.”

However, Boyd said there are hopeful signs, such as improving job numbers for both First Nations and Metis populations. This will also help to alleviate poverty, he said.

“It’s a start.”