Apprehension of an Indigenous Winnipeg woman's new born child

#Winnipeg, #Manitoba, #Canada; #Indigenous

Winnipeg/Toronto, Jan 16 (Canadian-Media): Removal of an infant, soon after her birth, from her indigenous mother from Winnipeg (Manitoba) had aroused an international attention, media reports said.

Image: New born child. Image credit: UNICEF

No compassion was shown during apprehension either to Winnipeg mother and her family, which left them in traumatic situation.

Viewing of the Facebook Video of the infant’s removal more than 300,000 times
had created a spotlight on the issue of newborn apprehensions.

Immediately after her birth, the infant was placed for five days in an emergency placement with either a foster family or in a Winnipeg infant shelter. 

A written statement to the media was provided by the First Nations Family Advocate in Manitoba, prior to infant's birth early last week, that the Winnipeg mother -- whose name cannot be revealed under Manitoba law -- had  arranged for her aunt to take guardianship of the baby.

“Like all mothers, I love my baby very much and want the best for her, which includes having a close bond with me," said the mother, "I had no idea that babies were being apprehended every day from their mothers. I am sad this occurs so frequently.” 

She hoped to learn sometimes today if her new born daughter would be united with her family. 

But the mother is thankful that this incident has shed light on this issue in Manitoba

According to a report, 87 percent of a total of 354 infants removed from their Manitoba families in 2017 were from First Nations.

259 of these infants remained in care and 12 months later were transferred to permanent wardship.

Manitoba’s Ministry of Families had referred to the allegations surrounding removal of the infant, immediately after her birth, to Manitoba’s General Child and Family Services.

But a reply from the authority is still awaited.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)