U of T Ob-Gyn's Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
On behalf of Dr. John Kingdom, Chair; Dr. Rachel Spitzer, Vice-Chair, Global Women's Health and Advocacy; Dr. Cindy Maxwell, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer; and Salvo Candela, Business Manager
Dear Colleagues,
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology acknowledges our individual and collective responsibility to actively participate in reconciliation as defined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015): the process of “establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour” (p. 6).
This critical work begins with listening to and respecting the truth about the painful legacies of colonization and the various expressions of anti-Indigenous racism in Canada: the 150-year span of the residential school system and its primary work of cultural genocide; the forced relocation of Indigenous communities and the reserve system; sub-standard health and social services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM); the overrepresentation of FNIM in prisons; and intergenerational trauma and poverty within FNIM communities.
Today (Thursday, September 30, 2021) is Orange Shirt Day and Canada’s first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. It is an important day to honour the diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and stories of Canada's First Peoples, as well as solemnly reflect on the enduring impacts of colonization and the residential school system on Indigenous education, culture, language, health, child welfare, justice and economics.
On Orange Shirt Day and every day, we will remember residential school survivors and the thousands of Indigenous children who never came home, as well as commit to seeking out meaningful ways to foster much-needed change because Every Child Matters. To spread awareness of the past and present-day harms imposed upon Indigenous communities and the urgent work of reconciliation, please see the events and resources below.
Orange Shirt Day 2021:
Recognize Orange Shirt Day and show support by wearing orange and using an Orange Shirt Day virtual background and/or profile icon, available for download from U of T’s Orange Shirt Day event page.
