We Were Children

I went to a film screening tonight after work. A documentary, “We Were Children”, on the experiences of two First Nations children in the Canadian residential school system. Harrowing. I hope to assemble some more coherent thoughts about it before too long, but for now…

In the scientific-medicine circles I frequent I hear a lot about Makayla Sault and JJ, two First Nations children in Ontario with cancer. Both have refused chemotherapy, opting instead for an unlicensed alt-men quack in Florida who gives vitamin injections or something. Somehow the courts have allowed this.

It’s good to have a reminder of why Ontario courts are so skittish about taking First Nations children from their parents. Not skittish enough, probably. While the death rate for untreated leukemia is pretty horrific, so was the death rate in residential schools. And the foster care system nowadays is better, but not enough better. Certainly not as good as it is for white children.

Slippery slope fallacy, perhaps. But there is a fine line between a slippery slope and a legal precedent. The judges in question essentially decided to sacrifice Makayla and JJ’s lives, but it’s possible that choosing otherwise might have resulted in many other children dying.

All things considered I'm glad I wasn't the one making that call.