Two Row Times: Ojibwe child refuses chemo, wants traditional medicine instead

A 10-year-old Ojibwe will remain with her family after child welfare officials in Ontario closed the case and said they respected her choice to stop chemotherapy treatment for now.

Makayla Sault, a member of the New Credit First Nation, said the treatment was making her sick. But when the McMaster Children’s Hospital learned she was relying on traditional medicine, her family was reported to the Children’s Aid Society.

After a review, the Children's Aid Society in Brant said it respected Sault's decision. Taking her from her family would cause even more health problems, the group's executive director said.

"This is a loving family, we felt their choice to use traditional medicines was within their right. We also felt that if Makayla was apprehended, the stress and other effects on that child would be terrible." Andrew Koster told CBC News. "For a child that is ill, they don’t need that. She needs to be with her family."​

Get the Story:
CAS Closes Case on Ojibwe child; “We respect Makayla’s choice.” (The Two Row Times 5/20)
Makayla Sault will not be apprehended by Children's Aid (CBC 5/20)
10-year-old who chose traditional medicine over chemo won't be taken from parents (CTV 5/20)
No plans to take New Credit girl away from parents: CAS (The Hamilton Spectator 5/20)

Related Stories:
Hospital reports Native family for using traditional treatments (5/15)