We are a group of professionals who have seen how difficult it is for young people to age out of care.
We see how few supports there are and how much is expected of young people. We know that Indigenous children and youth are incredibly overrepresented in child protective services, and we know that aging out of care is a critical transition.
We want to help people aging out by providing a measure of dignity and support that communicates that we see them and we, and others in their communities, want them to succeed.
Our project is run by a committee that includes:
Christa Big Canoe
Legal Director at ALS
Christa Big Canoe is a member of the Georgina Island First Nation, a mother, lawyer, and activist. She is the Legal Director at Aboriginal Legal Services and served as the Lead Commission Counsel for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. She sees connections between the overrepresentation of Indigenous youth in child protective services and the criminal justice system, along with other legal advocacy and the systemic law reform work she does.
Shelby Thomas
Shelby Thomas is a Red River Metis, whose family comes from the Grand Marais region located in the southeast corner of Lake Winnipeg and is also of Dutch and Polish ancestry. She is a compassionate and resourceful advocate, lawyer, and researcher. Shelby believes in youth and their ability to shape the future.
Fialka Jack-Flesh
Project Coordinator, Welcoming Courageous Young Journeys
Fialka Osean Jack-Flesh is from the Mowachaht tribe in the Qu-Yuquot area and Irish on her mother’s side and is English, Scottish, Welsh, German on her father’s side. She aged out of care in 2012 and is/has experienced homelessness. She is a kind and courageous advocate with the courage to tell the truth. She has testified on the youth panel for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Kirsti Mathers McHenry
Access to justice advocate
Kirsti Mathers McHenry is a lawyer and advocate for justice. Her ancestors, who were Irish and Scottish, settled in Mohawk Territory (Tyendinaga). She has worked for over 20 years to advance access to justice and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion.
