September 27, 2024

On September 30^th, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to honour, learn and take action in support of Survivors of Indian Residential Schools, those who never returned home, as well as their families and communities. The day of awareness originates from the Orange Shirt Day movement that started with Phyllis Webstad (Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation) who shared her experience at St. Joseph’s Residential School in Williams Lake, BC.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission ran from 2008 to 2015, providing a platform for Survivors and those impacted by the legacy of residential schools to share their stories and experiences. The narratives and insights gathered were synthesized into a final report that included 94 Calls to Action. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation directly responds to Call to Action 80, which advocated for the establishment of a federal statutory day of commemoration.

The theme for this year’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Advancing Reconciliation in Canada through Allyship and Decolonization. In line with this theme, the Can-SOLVE CKD Network invites you to share your reflections with us here. We also encourage you to visit and utilize resources from The Learning Pathway, specifically the Knowledge Keepers in Research video series and guidebook.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council (IPERC) at Can-SOLVE CKD Network is a patient-led council that Indigenous voices guide kidney research priorities, promote self-determination, and works to address TRC calls to action #18, #19 and #23.

Cathy Woods co-chair of IPERC and member of the Patient Governance Council (PGC) and Arlene Desjarlais co-chair of IPERC and PGC reflected on the following:

“IPERC and PGC are advancing the TRC Calls to Action by closing the gaps in health outcomes for Indigenous people with our research projects like Kidney check, Mind the Gap & ICARE projects. I also believe we are providing educational opportunities for health care providers with our Learning Pathway that will improve the quality of care received by all. I am proud of the work done by Cansolveckd.ca.”

“Truth and Reconciliation, without Truth we cannot move forward. We need ReconciliACTION! Please participate in the many different activities planned in your community & do your part.”

A fellow IPERC member, Maureena Loth, shared thoughts on what National Day for Truth and Reconciliation means to her:

“It means that we have a roadmap to move us forward of those 94 calls to action. Since 2008, only 13 of those calls to action have been completed. When we have completed it all, we have reached our goal.” She goes on to add, “We need balance in access to services for all Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, and people new to Canada.” Allyship and decolonization are not only practices to aim for, but they are also fundamental beliefs that help move closer to addressing and completing all 94 TRC Calls to Action.

Every Child Matters was born of Orange Shirt Day and as we show our support for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we remember the children who attended the residential schools, those who never returned and we must also remember the children with us now and those who are to come in the future. A closing word from IPERC Maureena Loth:

“Be kind, be good to yourself and take care yourself by reclaiming and restoring who Creator made us to be.”