New initiative gives First Nations communities tools to search for missing children

Assembly of First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo.First Nations and the RCMP are teaming up with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection on a new program to help aboriginal communities search for missing children.

The initiative was announced this week at the Assembly of First Nations' justice forum in Vancouver, The Canadian Press reported.

"The stark reality that more and more First Nation youth go missing in Canada each year is unacceptable," said assembly National Chief Shawn Atleo said in a statement. "First Nation youth must be supported and nurtured to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential."

The initiative connects aboriginal communities with the centre's web site, MissingKids.ca, to assist in the search for children that have gone missing. The site serves as a central point for parents and communities needing help, as well as providing resources to prevent children from going missing, the centre said in its news release.

"We are living in a more complex world and our children are facing new risks," said Christy Dzikowicz, director of MissingKids.ca. "In addition to providing step-by-step guides and tools, MissingKids.ca's specially trained staff is always there to support families in their search to find their missing child."

The centre said the program provides a national voice on missing children's issues and a co-ordinated approach in the search, capitalizing on new technology and providing prompt, efficient dissemination of information to the public.

Atleo has recorded a public service announcement (which can be seen on the MissingKids.ca web site) to raise awareness of the program that will air on the Aboriginal People's Television Network.

Material about MissingKids.ca will also be sent to about 650 First Nations band offices and 700 RCMP and First Nations police detachments.

The federal government, through the Justice Department, is throwing its support behind the initiative.

"Our Government has been very clear about the importance that we place on the safety of children," said Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said in a statement. "We are proud to be a part of this program to assist child victims and their families."

No statistics were given on the number of aboriginal children who go missing each year or whether that figure is rising.