One Year Since “Don’t Look Away”: A Time to Remember, Reflect, and Recommit

July 16, 2025 News Release

(Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw / Squamish Nation Territory). Today marks one year since the release of the Don’t Look Away report by the Representative for Children and Youth (RCY), a deeply moving and urgent call for transformative change in child- and family-serving systems across British Columbia.

The report centred on the life and tragic passing of Colby, a young First Nations boy from the Fraser Valley. His story—alongside those of many other children—brought into sharp focus the systemic gaps, disconnections, and inequities that continue to harm Indigenous children, youth, and families.

Yesterday, Our Children Our Way joined cross-sectoral ministry representatives, community leaders, Elders, matriarchs, and Indigenous Child and Family Agency leaders in a ceremony and gathering hosted by the RCY to reflect on the report’s impact and to renew our shared commitments.

“This isn’t just a meeting; it’s a time to reflect and to honour a child we called Colby, his family, and the many other children whose stories were woven into the report,” said Representative Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth. “It’s a moment to take a deep breath, remember who we’re here for, and recommit to not looking away. This work requires leadership from all of us in our spheres of influence.”

The Don’t Look Away report issued 63 recommendations, calling for a fundamental shift away from surveillance and risk-based approaches toward healing-centered, community-grounded systems that prioritize well-being, connection, and thriving.

Joni Conlon, Executive Director of Our Children Our Way, shared powerful personal and professional reflections on how the report has reshaped her commitment to systemic change:

“You cannot read Don’t Look Away without realizing how important ceremony is when you are grappling to find solutions and to ensure we are not bystanders in this work,” said Conlon. “We’re hearing from communities that prevention must be prioritized—supporting parents, families, and bolstering systems of care is imperative. What gives me hope is seeing frontline workers still showing up with heart and solutions. That’s powerful. That’s transformational.”

Our Children Our Way marks today with deep reflection with the reminder of the heavy responsibility we all share together. Our Children Our Way remains steadfast in upholding the voices and leadership of Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies and their partners. The Society is committed to co-developing culturally grounded solutions, amplifying Indigenous leadership, and advancing meaningful, lasting systemic change—so that the tragedy of Colby’s life is not repeated, but becomes a turning point.

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For further comment, please contact:

• Mary Teegee, Maaxswxw Gibuu, Chair, Our Children Our Way Society, Tel: 250-612-8710
• Joni Conlon, Executive Director, Our Children Our Way Society, Tel: 250 692 0651