National Indigenous History Month

Thank you to Elder Kerry McLaughlin, Paul Francis (Director of Indigenous Relations at St. Joseph’s Care Care Group), Michael Robinson (Indigenous Spiritual Care Provider at TBRHSC), Crystal Pirie (Senior Director, Indigenous Collaboration at TBRHSC), Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, (President and CEO, TBRHSC, and CEO, TBRHRI) and the amazingly talented drummers and jingle dress dancers who all came together this morning to help us celebrate.

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21st), the Hospital hosted a ceremony near the water feature at the front entrance. The ceremony was live-streamed on the Hospital’s Facebook page for those who wanted to join virtually.

National Indigenous History Month Prize Winners

The following are our prize winners for National Indigenous History Month Activities that took place the week of June 14th:

  • Aidan Brown
  • Nicole Moffet
  • Carrie Haugenes

Congratulations! Thank you to everyone that participated in the activities. Note: If you completed the Indigenous Culture Survey, please email creamerj@tbh.net.

National Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous History Month is a time for learning about, appreciating, and acknowledging the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

At the start of Indigenous History Month we learned of the discovery of the undocumented deaths of 215 children at the former Kamloops residential school site. Our hospital recognized this horrific event by lowering our flags for 215 hours, 1 hour for each child found.

We share in the anger and grief of residential school survivors, their families, and all Indigenous peoples and communities, including our colleagues, neighbors, and the 69 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario (NWO) that our Hospital serves. Our Hospital is committed to actions to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) has developed lists of resources to learn more about Indigenous culture, which includes a recommended list of books. To learn more, please visit https://www.aptnnews.ca/ourstories/indigenoushistorymonth2021/. We encourage you to take the time to learn about the vibrant culture of Indigenous people of Canada.