Last week, the federal government and First Nations leaders announced a $40 billion agreement-in-principle to compensate young people harmed by Canada’s discriminatory child welfare system. The agreement also sets aside half the money to reform the welfare system. This comes after a 15-year long fight begun by Cindy Blackstock and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. Sarah Clarke is a lawyer with Clarke Child and Family Law. She has represented the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society since 2009.