Indigenous children's rights advocate Dr. Cindy Blackstock delivers 2018 R.W.B. Jackson Lecture
Caring is not enough; action is needed to create change, says Blackstock
By Kaitlyn Balkovec
July 23, 2018
Watch: Dr. Cindy Blackstock reminds audience of the power of love in fighting colonialism and racism at the Jackson Lecture (video by Kaitlyn Balkovec and Lindsey Craig)
On June 13, OISE held its signature event, the R.W.B. Jackson Lecture. Over 800 faculty, students, staff, alumni, and members of the OISE and University of Toronto community gathered to hear renowned Indigenous children’s rights advocate Dr. Cindy Blackstock in conversation with award-winning CBC journalist Connie Walker.
As an experienced social worker and the Executive Director of First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, Blackstock has been fighting for the rights of Indigenous children for over 25 years.
In 2016, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal sided with Blackstock after nearly a decade long struggle to prove that Canada was discriminating against First Nations children by underfunding child welfare services on reserves.
However, the fight for justice for Indigenous children is far from over. Part of her struggle has been encouraging others to take action in order to make a difference.
“The number one thing you should not do, is nothing. Caring is not enough,” Blackstock said. “You’ve got to get out there and do something that matters.”
Make a difference
With the support of alumni, students, faculty and friends like you, we will have what it takes to answer Dr. Blackstock's call to action.
Please join us today with a gift in support of OISE’s Indigenous initiatives and priorities.
Related
- Watch the 2018 R.W.B. Jackson Lecture
- View the photos from event
- Make a difference: Support OISE’s Indigenous programs and activities
