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Aboriginal youth deserve co-ordinated plan
Every day, we see the tremendous difference caring adults can make in the lives of young people. As leaders of five of Canada's largest youth-serving organizations, we are consistently heartened by the support we receive from millions of Canadians who share our belief that every young person deserves an equal chance to fulfil his or her potential.
Today, there is a group of children and youth in our society who do not have equal access to the ingredients of healthy development. Aboriginal youth, on average, fall well short of the health and education outcomes of their non-aboriginal age peers.
The reasons for these disparities are complex. But two things are certain. Today's aboriginal children and youth did not create the challenges that confront their communities; and, as a society, we can come together to help them succeed.
The imperative to act is both moral and economic.
The Centre for the Study of Living Standards estimates that closing education and labour market gaps between aboriginal people and the Canadian average by 2026 would add $401 billion to Canada's cumulative gross domestic product.
And the cost of letting aboriginal young people down is not only economic. Denying hopeful, talented children and youth the chance to become the people they dream of being – and are capable of being – is a moral wrong we believe the people of Canada will not tolerate.
Conversations about the challenges facing many aboriginal communities are not easy. Some people, frustrated by seemingly intractable problems and the sometimes rancorous tone of the debate, are tempted to tune out.
We call on the people of Canada, including political leaders at all levels, to refuse to disengage. We call on all segments of society – governments and institutions; First Nation, Métis, and Inuit organizations; and all citizens – to continue seeking ways forward with courage and persistence. This is not a time to harden our hearts; it is a time to renew our commitment.
There are many reasons for hope. We know that investments in young people's health and education yield vast returns down the road, and we know that many groups – school boards, aboriginal organizations, and others – are making wise, meaningful investments today.
Our own organizations are embarking on new projects and partnerships, working alongside aboriginal people and organizations to build a new future for and with aboriginal children and youth.
We refuse to let the wrongs of the past and the frustrations of the present prevent us from working together for a shared future of which we can all be proud. Join us.
Scott Haldane CEO, YMCA Canada
David Hughes President & CEO, Pathways to Education Canada
27 May 013
http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Aboriginal+youth+deserve+ordinated+plan/8439013/story.html
