The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30), also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a day that recognizes the ongoing harm to Indigenous communities from the legacy of Canada’s residential schools and calls on Canadians to reflect on how they can participate in Reconciliation.
In analyzing the 94 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation report, Hospice Waterloo Region has identified two recommendations that we are committing to acting upon.
No. 24. We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices.
While Hospice Waterloo Region is not a medical or nursing school, many of our employees are in the medical and nursing field and we are a partner in the health system that serves all the residents in our community. As such, it is important that all of our staff understand the history and impact of residential schools along with the cultural teachings and health care practices of the Indigenous clients we serve.
Over the next year, we commit to having all staff undergo Indigenous cultural training.
Following the completion of the training, we commit to incorporating Indigenous healing practices into our residence care and community programs. This relates to No. 22 in the Truth the Reconciliation report.
No. 22. We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.
All Canadians can play a role in furthering reconciliation by reading the 94 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation report and reflecting on what they personally do to achieve reconciliation.
Additional Resources
Mental Health Supports:
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat (Please use Google Chrome).