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Examining the Residential Southern Placement Program in the NWT

An important piece, published in the prestigious "International Journal of Indigenous Health", examines the Residential Southern Placement Program in the NWT. Read the short excerpt below , then click on the link to read this important paper in its entirety. We applaud Alannis McKee and Sean A Hillier for exposing this program which equates to medical colonialism. The NWT Disabilities Council has made the address this Program a Priority in its presentation to the 19th Legislative Assembly.

"This research traces colonialism and neoliberalism as foundational architecture to health policy in Canada that seeks to erase Indigeneity and disability and secure the dominance of a White

settler able-bodied state. This is accomplished through critical analysis of the Residential Southern Placement Program, a health policy from the Northwest Territories, Canada. Residential Southern Placements are contractual agreements made between the Northwest Territories Department of Health and Social Services and service agencies from southern provinces to provide care to territorial residents with a disability whose needs—according to the

Department of Health and Social Services—cannot be met within the territory. We explore how the ostensibly neutral health policy Residential Southern Placements becomes enacted as a

violent intervention of erasure that specifically targets Indigenous adults and children with cognitive disabilities..." (excerpt)

You can view the full article HERE

Rights of People with Disabilities. Health: equal access to healthcare; option of care outside home community; highest standard of medical care without discrimination. Justice: equal protection of law; live free of violence and neglect; privacy and autonomy respected. Family and Social Protection: government support to reduce poverty; live with family; safe caregivers. Education: inclusive education system; free equal access; parent and student involvement. Community Living: choice of who and where to live; safe accessible housing; access to public spaces. Employment: reasonable accommodations; NWT employment standards; protection from exploitation; affirmative action. Political Participation: present in public life; vote in elections; freedom of expression. For more information visit www.nwtdc.net/rights