The intersection and parallels of Aboriginal peoples’ and racialized migrants’ experiences of colonialism and child welfare in Canada

Abstract

Aboriginal children are chronically overrepresented across all points in the child welfare system in Canada. Parallels between the racialized migrant experience and the injustices experienced by Aboriginal peoples are reviewed, starting with the development of Canada as a nation and reviewing colonialism and racism as it relates to Aboriginal peoples’ and racialized migrants’ experiences with child welfare. This comparative analysis will illuminate how injustices continue to be reproduced, focusing on the child welfare system, as part of the devastating effects that colonization has on Aboriginal peoples, but also as evidence of colonization being reproduced through current discriminatory legislation and practices.