When it comes to youth in care, people like Allan Wemigwans aren’t celebrated enough.
At 17, Wemigwans is one of hundreds of local youth in care through Dilico Anishnabek Family Care. A grassdancer, he showed off his moves Tuesday afternoon. For him, dancing is healing.
“It feels good to get people to learn about my culture and what I do,” he said.
Ashley Stoney, 17, started Girl Power at her high school.
“To think positively about themselves,” she said.
The two were part of the success story Dilico wants to tell during the Children and Youth in Care Day.
Currently in second reading, the Ontario legislature is looking to make May 14 a day where children in care can tell their story to members of the public and those who work in child welfare.
“We need to listen carefully. We need to give it serious consideration and then we need to turn it into action,” Dilico director Barb Hancock said.
“What the real issues are in their life. I’m not sure that in our business we often stop to think about what it is to be raised by someone else.”
Along with highlighting successes, the day will be used to hear from children about the system they grew up in and maybe even change the way the system works.
