July 20, 2021 – the Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten. As you may be aware, the government recently passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Sept. 30, 2021 – The RVTTC is honoring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in a number of ways.
- The RVTTC Board of Directors have committed in their DEI training specifically to attend the Canadian Indigenous Culture Training, Truth & Reconciliation Edition (Sports for Life).
- Researching and compiling resources to share with our veterinary community for crisis support
- Providing a number of links to resources to help the understand the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and to work towards reconciliation.
- Plus, we are encouraging our veterinary community to reflect on these on September 30.
Please feel free to share these resources widely:
- Explore the collections and resources shared by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
- Read the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
- Learn about the impacts of the Indian Residential School system by watching Residential School survivors testifyfor the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (content warning) and read the names of the children who were known to have died at Residential School (content warning)
- Watch films relating to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirits(content warning).
- Educate yourself about the land you are on and the people whose land it is.
- The Canadian Nutrition Society is hosting a webinar titled “Out of the Darkness into the Light“. This will be an opportunity to learn about how government policies created conditions of malnutrition in Indigenous Peoples, and how Indigenous Peoples – including children – continue to be affected disproportionately by malnutrition and diet-related health problems.
- Actively listen to people of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis backgrounds.
- Be respectful towards trauma survivors and Elders.
- Stand up against stereotypes, prejudice, and systemic racism.
- Have conversations with your family and friends.
- Support Indigenous-led community and cultural organizations.
- Be patient, empathetic, and receptive.
- Raise awareness in your community and online.
- 7 Ways to Make a Difference – YouTube
Join us in honouring this national day for Truth & Reconciliation. The RVTTC office will be closed on September 30th.