MGH campus transformation
MGH’s campus transformation continues with major renovation work. Patients and visitors can expect to experience noise, hallway closures and detours around the hospital. Learn more about our campus transformation.
Remembering & Grieving for the children lost to residential schools in Canada
We stand with our First Nation, Inuit and Métis brothers and sisters in mourning the terrible loss and reliving of the trauma caused by the residential school system operated by the Canadian government. Last week, we learned of the discovery of the remains of 215 children on the grounds of a former residential school in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory near Kamloops, B.C.
These children were stolen, and as a result families were broken. We all share in the grief of the generations who have been harmed by the residential schools. It is difficult to contemplate the deaths of these young people. However, acknowledging our country’s terrible past is necessary in order seek reconciliation and change the future.
On Sunday evening, we lowered our flag to half-mast at the hospital. The flag will remain in the mourning position until June 8th or 215 hours.
Everyone who calls Kanata (Canada) home needs to acknowledge the destructive, traumatic effect that residential schools have had on our country’s people and continues to the present day inequities faced by FNIM community members. We cannot achieve reconciliation if we don’t acknowledge the past and make a commitment to changes the future for the children, grandchildren and those yet to be born.
I encourage everyone in the MGH family to take it upon themselves to learn more about Canada’s history and FNIM culture. A few resources are shared below:
- Familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the 94 Calls to Action made by the commission and the stories of residential school survivors in their own words.
- Follow the steps outlined by the On Canada Project in their Settlers Take Action project, which provides concrete actions non-Indigenous people can take in their personal journey towards truth and reconciliation.
- Learn about FNIM cultural contributions by reading books from an Indigenous authors, watch films featuring FNIM culture like ones the National Film Board selection of Indigenous Peoples in Canada films or taking an online course such as ones from University of Alberta or the University of Waterloo.
- If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, please refer them to the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line which operated 24 hours: 1 (866) 925-4419
Humbly yours,
Sarah
Sarah Downey, President & CEO, Michael Garron Hospital