The staff and Board of Federated Health Charities Corporation believe that collectively, our ability to improve health outcomes for marginalized communities is based firmly on our commitment to advance and represent all people through our diverse, equitable and inclusive governance model that operates with an anti-oppression & anti-racism lens. Today, we solemnly honour and publicly commemorate the tragic and painful history, and ongoing impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples and we recognize that, since 2021, the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day are vital components of the reconciliation process.
Like you, each of us at Federated Health Charities – Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike – are at different stages of our healing journeys. Learning, reflecting, and remembering about the residential school system are deeply personal commitments and individual approaches to how we aspire to be positive role-models in our personal and professional lives.
Join us in re-reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and consider one or two of these as your personal call to action, today and throughout the coming year. Call to Action #80 speaks to today’s statutory holiday and ensures we pause to commemorate the history and legacy of the Indian Residential School system.
If, at any time, what you learn triggers your mental health or if you know anyone who is struggling due to personal involvement or impacts, the Institute for Advancements in Mental Health (one of our partnering 21 charities) is here to “support people with mental illness, innovate solutions to bring back to communities, and drive change for better mental health”. Let’s ensure we are caring for ourselves and for one another throughout this process and seeking help when needed.
