Update 17, Gitxsan Grandmothers Struggle with #ChildWelfare #Poverty #Genocide
No Medical Coverage for Aboriginal Children: A Grandmother's Perspective
As a Gitxsan grandmother, I want to share my experience navigating the challenges of medical coverage for my grandson, Angel. I received guardianship under the CFCSA Section 54.01 at the end of June 2017, but on that very day, his medical and dental coverage was cut off.
For those wondering about the medical and dental coverage issue we faced while at the dentist’s office, the truth is—nothing has changed. I still haven’t received Angel’s Indian Status card, which the Ministry ordered after he turned two years old. I can’t help but wonder if he might not be considered “status quality.” First Nations MSP only works with status cards, leaving us in a difficult spot.
Meanwhile, immigrants and refugees have access to medical coverage and receive four times the social assistance that Aboriginal people do. It feels unjust that the government isn’t providing for First Nations children or for any children in the care of family members, including grandparents like me.
As of now, I still haven’t gotten a court order, which is necessary for Angel to be a legal dependent so he can be added to extended health plans. Thankfully, my workplace added him anyway, even though their policy states that they need the court order for proof. They did the right thing, and I’m grateful that I only have to pay a portion of the costs.
Most families with children receive over $1,000 monthly in Child Tax benefits, but Angel doesn’t qualify for that. Instead, he only gets a ministry subsidy of $801 each month. Some grandchildren don’t receive anything at all if they are not forced through the child protection process (CFCSA).
Today is dentist day, and I find myself feeling frustrated and worried.
Can you help grandparents like me? What are you doing to support us? How are you educating yourself on these issues?
I urge you to tell the BC government to reinstate the BC Benefits for “Child in Home of a Relative.” Our children deserve access to the same care and support as others, and together, we can advocate for change. Our voices matter, and it’s time for action. Let’s work towards a future where all children, including our Indigenous children, receive the care they need and deserve.