Truth & Reconciliation

by E.R., Placement Student

September 30, 2021

For some important background and context, the writer of this post is a 26-year-old, white female from settler ancestry. They grew up in Eastern Ontario and currently reside in the Durham Region.

I am a lifelong learner and a determined ally of Indigenous communities. This year, I’ve participated in online events like Durham Indigenous Voices. I listened to Elder Dorothy-Taylor, Vanessa Gray and many others.

For this blog-post, I’m dedicating the space I was given to lifting the voices of Indigenous communities. Below are ideas that I found helpful when becoming an ally, as well as resources for LTC residents, workers and families across Ontario.

Residents

Ø Stay on top of Indigenous issues by watching the news, watching videos and reading the newspaper
Ø Explore Indigenous cultures by buying from Indigenous owned stores and shops
Ø Be mindful of the language you may use when describing a person with Indigenous ancestry
Ø Vote for politicians who are allies to Indigenous communities
Ø Read Indigenous literature
Ø Donate to Indigenous organizations

Families

Ø Does the LTC facility support Indigenous languages and culture?
Ø Stay on top of Indigenous issues by watching the news, watching videos and reading the newspaper
Ø Explore Indigenous cultures by buying from Indigenous owned stores and shops
Ø Be mindful of the language you may use when describing a person with Indigenous ancestry
Ø Vote for politicians who are allies to Indigenous communities
Ø Read Indigenous literature
Ø Donate to Indigenous organizations

Workers

Ø Look at your organizations policies and funders and see if they are Indigenous allies
Ø Look at how many people in the home identify as Indigenous. Do they need extra supports?
Ø Take cultural safety seminars, webinars and trainings
Ø Where does your organization stand on Indigenous rights?
Ø Donate to Indigenous organizations
Ø When in meetings, do you do land acknowledgements?
Ø Are there holistic methods used in your LTC home?

RESOURCES:

What Indigenous land do you reside on? (Interactive Map)

https://native-land.ca/

Supporting Indigenous Culture in Long-Term Care

https://clri-ltc.ca/indigenous/

Where to donate

https://www.irsss.ca/donate

https://www.orangeshirtday.org...

http://legacyofhope.ca/english...

https://www.acc-society.bc.ca/...

https://fncaringsociety.com/do...

https://downiewenjack.ca/