September 30, is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Reconciliation starts with education. This phrase is prominently found on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's (NCTR) website and is CPSM's approach to reconciliation.
Building on previous years, CPSM is making space for staff and Council to participate in learning and discussion this week. We are grateful to NCTR for hosting accessible lunch and learn sessions during Truth and Reconciliation Week and encourage all to join by registering here.
Monday's session reminded us that reconciliation is a year-round effort. Maata Evaluardjuk-Palmer, an Inuk elder and guest speaker, shared her lived experiences and reminded us that for residential school survivors like her, the trauma is engrained, even after so many years. “It’s real. We live with it all the time. We’ve had to adjust who we are,” she shared with over 3,000 participants across Canada.
It is our turn to adjust our systems, policies, and processes to do our part toward reconciliation.
Our Reconciliation Progress
We have made notable progress toward creating meaningful partnerships and addressing Indigenous-specific racism in medical care.
- In January, we met with Chiefs from Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, and Nehethowuk First Nations at the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to issue a statement and apology for past and current Indigenous-specific racism in medical practice.
- In February, we delivered our statement and apology to Inuit leaders from the Manitoba Inuit Association.
- CPSM committed to seven specific actions recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Circle. Work is underway to accomplish the seven actions, each currently in various stages.
- We are making progress on establishing a Restorative Justice approach for addressing complaints made by Indigenous patients.
- We developed a land acknowledgment that is meaningful as a medical regulator and acknowledges responsibility for our role in contributing to the disproportionate health inequities that exist amongst the Indigenous communities in Manitoba.
We move forward humbly and anticipate many more advancements in the coming year. We know that listening to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledge keepers is essential to reconciliation. We are grateful for the Indigenous physicians, scholars, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers who continue to share their stories, experiences, knowledge, and guidance with us.
Stay informed on our progress throughout the year by visiting our website's Truth and Reconciliation section.
There are many ways to participate in this day of remembrance and reconciliation.
Resources
Click here to read the BRAID (Building Relationships for Anti-racist Indigenous Development) Network's Truth and Reconciliation Handout.
Click here for some suggestions for honouring the day from Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, including a list of books by Indigenous writers.
ONLINE EVENTS
- A Day to Listen - Tune into radio stations throughout Canada on A DAY TO LISTEN 2023
From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, hosts and guests will speak about Indigenous identity through conversations about representation in sports and entertainment, the fusion of traditional and contemporary music, land protection and the impacts of climate change, and more.
Hosts:
Aysanabee, Oji-Cree multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter
Shoshona Kish, Anishinaabekwe community organizer, producer, activist, songwriter and two-time JUNO award-winning touring artist
William Prince, JUNO Award winning Singer/Songwriter
- Doctors Manitoba is hosting a virtual KAIROS Blanket Exercise on Saturday, September 30, beginning at 9 a.m. and is open to physicians, residents, and medical learners. This educational experience revisits the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of Canada. The exercise will be facilitated by Braving the Healing and joined by Elder Carolyn Moar.
IN-PERSON EVENTS
Winnipeg
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event presented by Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health & Healing
September 29 | 11 a.m
Brodie Atrium (Bannatyne campus)
3rd Annual Orange Shirt Day Survivors Walk and Pow Wow
Hosted by Wa-Say Healing Centre
September 30 | 10 a.m.
Starting at Oodena Circle at The Forks (Pow Wow at Canada Life Centre)
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq
Septemeber 30 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq, 300 Memorial Blvd. (Winnipeg)
Take part in "reconcili-action" at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
The Museum will offer free admission so that everyone can come and explore and activities for the whole family throughout the day.
September 30 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights - 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg
Brandon
Brandon Truth and Reconciliation Week
Programming throughout the week hosted by Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council, including:
o Orange Shirt Day walk
Saturday, September 30 | 2 p.m.
o Healing by the River
Saturday, September 30 | 5 p.m.
Riverbank Discovery Centre
Birtle Sioux Dakota Nation
September 30 | 8 a.m.
Long Plain First Nation at the National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada
Honour Walk and Healing Dance of Reconciliation
September 30 | 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake First Nation Truth and Reconciliation Mini Pow Wow
This event is open to the public and all visitors are welcome.
September 30 | 1 p.m.
Mental health supports available:
Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
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).