Aboriginal grandmothers play increasing role in raising Sask. children

Aboriginal grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren need more support as their numbers increase in Saskatchewan, says Jen Billan, a masters student at the U of R who is researching this area.

The province has three times as many grandparents raising their grandchildren as the Canadian average. That number has jumped 20 per cent since 1991.

"Grandmothers maintain an essential role within their families and communities through their guidance and attention to relationships and caring for their family as well as grounding grandchildren in culture and identity," Billan said.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/aboriginal-grandmothers-play-increasing-role-in-raising-sask-children-1.3311602