This release was issued under a previous government.

“We are saddened by the loss of these three young women, each of whom experienced significant grief and loss throughout their lives. Our thoughts are with those who continue to grieve for them.

“We thank the Advocate for highlighting the impact of trauma on child development. When we support children, youth and families who have lived through grief and loss, we must ensure those supports address the effects trauma has had.

“As these stories themselves make clear, for too many First Nations people, trauma, grief and loss are deeply rooted in their families and communities. This requires a coordinated response that focuses not only on the individual and immediate safety needs of young people, but on the broader realities of community trauma. We will work to ensure First Nations are supported to lead community responses to these realities.

“Our government will continue to focus our efforts to ensure that all of this important work happens in the spirit of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

“We are currently implementing training to ensure that staff, as well as foster and kinship parents, are better equipped to support children and families dealing with grief and loss. This training helps them recognize the signs that a child is struggling with grief and loss, understand how this has affected the child and teaches them to help the child build resiliency.”