Learning from J.J.: An Interdisciplinary Conversation about Child Welfare, Healthcare and Law

Abstract

This paper is a collaborative project by six scholars belonging to VOICE, Views On Interdisciplinary Childhood Ethics, an inter- disciplinary group of researchers working in the field of childhood ethics. The authors consider the recent case of Hamilton Health Science Corp v DH and reflect on the story at its centre, that of JJ, an 11-year-old girl from the Six Nations of Grand River. Each author offers their perspective on the lessons that can be drawn from JJ’s story about the theory and practice of childhood ethics. The initial conflict in JJ’s story that required a ruling by the courts gave way to collaboration. Inspired by a process only made possible through meaningful conversation, this paper has been styled as three round-table conversations across disciplines. The goal of the paper is twofold: to reflect on the substantive lessons which JJ’s case might teach us, and to experiment with interdisciplinary conversations themselves. The three themes around which this paper is organized are the inclusion of childhood voices, the significance of identity and belonging, and the importance of fostering collaborative dialogue based on trust among children, their communities, and institutional actors. Each of these themes is discussed in the context of medical decision making and child protection law, and their impact on Indigenous children and communities. JJ’s story pushes us to consider the inherent opportunities and difficulties of working across disciplines as we examine complex issues at the intersection of health, law, ethics, and spirituality.