Marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day at MGH

Every year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

This day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the Reconciliation process.

In recent years, Canadians have begun working towards Truth and Reconciliation with First Nation, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) communities for past injustices and crimes. However, we know there is so much more work to do.

At Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), we continue to work toward advancing Truth and Reconciliation together with Indigenous communities. Here are some of the ways MGH is actively taking steps to support this important work:

• In May 2023, we released a Statement of Acknowledgment to continue to reflect upon and accept responsibility and accountability for past harm, acknowledge and seek truth, and learn from the community.
• We invited MGH staff, credentialed clinicians and community members to participate in Indigenous community sharing and healing circles. We will continue to work under the guidance of the Community Reconciliation Advisory Group to continue to offer opportunities for ceremonies with and for Indigenous communities in Toronto.
• We are in the process of establishing an Indigenous Traditional Services Policy to offer safe and timely access to traditional medicines and ceremonies. We are also reviewing a number of education opportunities for staff and credentialed clinicians to learn more about traditional teachings.
• We are exploring partnerships with other healthcare organizations to co-develop a new Indigenous Strategic Lead position to guide education and training, research, program development and to support continued community engagement and the future creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan by Indigenous people, for Indigenous people.

To become better allies to FNIM communities, we must continue to learn and educate ourselves. Below, please find upcoming events and resources to learn more about how you can take steps in your journey towards Truth and Reconciliation and actively participate in this national day of observance on September 30.

• Wear an orange T-shirt, pin or other item purchased from a local Indigenous business or from official Orange Shirt Society retailers.
• Put effort towards the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (Download PDF) as they apply to your organization, industry, or sector. The resources below offer some support in these efforts.
• Learn the history of the land you live on.
• Attend a local event.
• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. A purposeful review of the report and what it means for your organization is an important exercise which can be done for yourself as a manager or leader, or for your organization.
• Book a Reconciliation Canada workshop, speaker, or lunch and learn event (Download PDF) for your team or host a conversation.

With thanks,

Melanie

Melanie Kohn
President and CEO
Michael Garron Hospital