WINNIPEG-Indigenous leaders are suing the federal and Manitoba governments over what they say are far-reaching and damaging effects of the child welfare system. In a statement of claim, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and other plaintiffs are seeking $1 billion in compensation and an end to apprehensions they say are often based on poverty and racial bias. The federal government reached an agreement in principle earlier this year to compensate children who were taken from their families on reserve. The new lawsuit is aimed at First Nations children who were seized off reserve in the Manitoba child welfare system. One of the plaintiffs, Roberta Godin, says she had her children and grandchildren taken away. She says she was eventually successful in reuniting with them, but the separation caused great harm.

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