Groups calling for external investigation into Batshaw following alleged neglect of Inuk youth

The Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal (NWSM) and the Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR) are calling on the Quebec government to order an external, independent investigation into a case of an Inuk youth who was placed in isolation at Batshaw Youth and Family Centers.

Executive Director of NWSM, Nakuset, says the shelter received an anonymous tip last month that the teenaged Inuk had been placed at Batshaw’s detention center at Prévost, in the Laurentians, for extended periods of time and had been told not to speak his own language to other Inuk youths. 

They also allege he was transferred out of his community, to the south of Quebec, without a social worker attached to his file to provide regular follow-up and support. 

NWSM and CRARR say the youth was neglected in April, when, allegedly, a health condition that was inadequately treated led to the youth losing a testicle. They also say before and after the operation, the youth did not receive the necessary pain medications.

“It’s really difficult to be in care. It’s really difficult to not be able to speak your language, to be isolated, to be an enormous amount of pain. And this is life changing for this young this young man,” said Nakuset.

They continued on saying that the youth was not given information, in any language, about his rights and internal complaints procedures, and he did not have access to external assistance to help him file complaints.

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“If this is not appalling neglect and systemic racism, we don’t know what is, because this child is affected for the rest of his life,” Nakuset said. “This case highlights, once again, the deeper, ongoing problems of systemic racism in our youth protection system, especially at Batshaw, faced by Inuit children and families.”

On Thursday, the two groups said they are asking the Ministry of Health and Social Services to order an external inquiry into the case.

“Are they waiting until an Indigenous child dies while under youth protection?” Nakuset asked.

The groups aren’t convinced that taking this case to the Rights Commission would result in any change. They say the process of investigating youth rights and Charter rights violations has flaws.

“Our recent experience with the Commission in the case of another Inuk youth has not been positive,” said CRARR Executive Director, Fo Niemi. “Months after filing the complaint for the youth, the Commission has failed to inform us of what happened to it and what the results are.”

“We put out these complaints and it goes into a void never to be seen again, never to be followed up, and that is our our reality,” said Nakuset.

“The lack of transparency, the lack of communication, and a lack of accountability within these watchdog of complaint mechanisms raised the question as to whether it’s worth it or not, whether these things can be taken seriously,” Niemi added.

The West Island of Montreal Health Authority overseeing Batshaw told CityNews in a statement:

“The Youth Protection Act is an exceptional law that provides for very strict confidentiality rules. For this reason, we do not comment on specific cases. That being said, no form of violence, discrimination or racism towards the young people under our protection is tolerated. When allegations of such behavior are brought to our attention, we take them very seriously and take immediate action to shed light on them. […] Young people can choose to express themselves in the language of their choice. For security reasons, the only time they will be asked to speak in English is when responders fear that the health or physical integrity of a young person or staff member is at risk.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Services didn’t respond to our request for comment.