Nurses mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024
Sept. 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, we reflect on the shameful legacy of Canada’s residential schools. We remind ourselves of the existence and memories of thousands of Indigenous children who never returned home and the many more unmarked graves that continue to be discovered. We are also reminded of Canada’s colonial past and the need to overcome harms by working with Indigenous partners to renew relationships based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.
To help families and survivors heal from the trauma, grief and cultural genocide that resulted from the residential schools system, nurses must remind all levels of government to urgently support and implement the 94 calls to action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s report, and, in particular, calls 18 to 24 on Indigenous health.
RNAO reaffirms its commitment to building, strengthening relationships and deepening our understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Most recently, RNAO appointed Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Dr. Ed Connors to its board of directors to help guide the board in its work towards reconciliation. This action was inspired by an RNAO member resolution submitted by Chantal Byrnes Leadbeater in 2022, and the support of the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC).
Through partnerships and continued collaboration with Indigenous communities and health organizations, RNAO strives to address health inequities for all Indigenous Peoples. For example, RNAO held its inaugural Best Practice Spotlight Organization® (BPSO®) Indigenous-focused symposium in Thunder Bay from July 9–11, 2024. The event, developed with BPSOs, celebrated the theme: Weaving Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing with the implementation of RNAO’s best practice guidelines. Following the symposium, RNAO staff travelled to Sioux Lookout to visit Meno Ya Win Health Centre and William A. George Extended Care Unit to celebrate their successes as BPSOs. In April of this year, Confederation College, Matawa Health Cooperative and Pikangikum Health Authority joined RNAO’s Indigenous-focused BPSO program.
RNAO’s efforts to support and work alongside members of Indigenous communities are outlined in its Indigenous Health and RNAO In Focus web page. Sept. 30 is also observed in Indigenous communities as Orange Shirt Day, with the shirt symbolizing the stripping away of generations of Indigenous children’s culture, freedom and self-esteem. RNAO encourages everyone to wear orange to honour the survivors of residential schools. As we commemorate this important day, we call on all Canadians to reflect, learn, and acknowledge the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples. Together, we can forge a path towards true reconciliation and a more equitable future for all.
On Sept. 30, at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, RNAO staff members attended the Indigenous Legacy Gathering to honour the third anniversary of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day included a commemorative walk and the unveiling of a new Indigenous spirit garden to honour residential school survivors. RNAO stays committed to honouring and supporting Indigenous communities.
