Indigenous Women’s Experiences with Child Protection at Their Child’s Birth

Abstract

This article explores the experiences of Indigenous women who come into contact with child welfare at the birth of their child. The purpose of this research is to provide a voice to Indigenous women regarding their experiences and to gain insight into the measures that could be taken to improve the way they are supported by child welfare systems. Five Indigenous women in Northern British Columbia (BC), Canada, were interviewed. Findings revealed eight themes: The impact of child welfare involvement; a structural power imbalance; addictions; socioeconomic struggles; missed preventative opportunities; the role of advocacy; identity and culture; and bonding.