Nominations sought for Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation panel
A group charged with investigating more than a century of child welfare and assimilation policies that removed Native American children from their families and tribes is seeking nominations for panel members.
The Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Selection Panel is inviting the public to nominate people to be considered for membership on the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The selection panel seeks individuals of recognized integrity, empathy, stature and respect with a demonstrated commitment to the values of truth, reconciliation, equity, and justice. Nominations must be received by Oct. 1.
The Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation process is a first-in-the-world effort of Indigenous Peoples and a political subdivision of a state to examine an issue — in this instance, what happened to Wabanaki people in Maine’s child welfare system — to develop a common understanding of what happened, to support healing of everyone affected by the system, and to identify system reforms to create the best child welfare system possible, according to a press statement.
To nominate an individual, visit the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website,mainetribaltrc.org, and download the nomination form.
Contact Carolyn Morrison with questions at (207) 896-3042 or carolyn.morrisontrc@gmail.com.