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True courage

True courage This is a letter to honour a young girl who has gone through hell, and wants to see her hell be used to make change. The article printed in the Yukon News November 19, Abandoned Children and Abandoned Reports is her story. Sam is one of the

This is a letter to honour a young girl who has gone through hell, and wants to see her hell be used to make change.

The article printed in the Yukon News November 19, Abandoned Children and Abandoned Reports is her story.

Sam is one of the bravest people I have had the honour to meet here in Yukon. She was brave enough to share a story that many people would love to have the courage to share, but because of fear and shame, they choose to keep suppressed.

Sam is to be honoured for her bravery.

I would like to thank Yukon News reporter Genesee Keevil for making this issue public. Secrets kill.

Until we, as a society, start speaking out about the harm going on in our community, it will only continue.

There may be many who are unable to relate to her story, those who did may have had emotions come to the surface that they would rather not experience. I can only encourage you to be as brave as Sam, and in whatever way that is safe, address them.

To the government, that includes the bureaucrats, you have an obligation to fulfill your responsibilities.

The Anglin Report, with recommendations, was supposed to make changes that would improve the lives of our youth who are most vulnerable. These recommendations were given nine years ago.

Why were none of them implemented?

Many young lives have gone through hell, because of your negligence. But it’s not too late. Forget about politics and do what’s right.

As for the public, what had happened to Sam does have an effect on you. The costs that were incurred to send her to Saskatchewan for treatment come from your pocket.

It is your right to ensure that your taxes are spent in ways that create a healthier society. Your voice does count.

And to those of you who take advantage of our most vulnerable youth and children Ð stop! God only knows what’s in store for you.

Sam, we love you.

Vicki Durrant, executive director Youth of Today Society (Angel’s Nest), Whitehorse