September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

This past Friday, the Board of Directors of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) recognized the importance of the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Today, I want to do so on behalf of our institution’s senior leadership.
 
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation arose from the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action. For four years now, September 30th has served as a significant reminder of the intergenerational impacts on the First Nations, Inuit and Métis survivors of Canada’s Indigenous residential schools and their families, as well as on the children who did not grow up with the freedom to enjoy their culture, nor live to realize their dreams.
 
This day is also an opportunity for those in the healthcare sector to acknowledge the critical role of cultural safety in people-centred care and research. By listening to and learning about each other, we may appreciate the cultures that enrich our society and develop hand-in-hand with our patient partners and colleagues the types of initiatives and approaches that promote a healing and inclusive hospital environment, better health outcomes and a rewarding workplace. At a time when wars, violence and conflicts are an all too present part of our day-to-day reality, I feel compelled to say that we owe it to each other to show consideration and respect in all that we say and do.
   
I encourage members of the MUHC to wear orange next Monday as a symbol of solidarity and compassion for the tragic place that Indigenous Residential Schools hold in our collective history. Partake in one of the events taking place in our community or go online, as many resources offer insights from knowledge keepers, Elders and others into the past and the way forward for new generations of children.  

Lucie Opatrny, MD MSc MHCM FRCPC 
President and Executive Director, MUHC