Dr. Don Wilson, Regional Medical Director, Indigenous Health
In the era of increased awareness of the colonial experiment that is Canada, it is time for a reckoning on the question of Canadian-Indigenous reconciliation.
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people have been asking for this for a very long time. We will continue to ask, demand, and require that Canada meet us in the Circle of Reconciliation. We all need to understand is that this is not just for the benefit of Indigenous peoples. The process of reconciliation is beneficial for the entire country.
The blood of Indigenous people is a stain on this country. Ignoring this simply places Canada in the untenable position where any claim to moral or legal authority is greatly diminished, and attempts to move forward in a meaningful way on common societal goals simply become exercises in political theatrics.
As Indigenous people continue to find ways to be heard, the message will continue to be the same. We want real, tangible steps to be taken in the reconciliation process. We are not asking for nebulous, performative responses. We have guidance from processes which have set the stage for participation by every member of Canadian society. And here's the thing: we are stuck with one another. So rather than gloss over realities of anti-Indigenous racism, outrageous inequities in social and structural determinants of health, systemic oppression, cultural and language deprivation, we can and must choose to engage and change these issues. It is beyond time for Canadians to learn to sit with their discomfort and learn from it.
It is time for haíɫcístut. Haíɫcístut is the Heiltsuk word meaning “to turn around and make something right again." This is the word we use to convey the meaning and process of Reconciliation.
As we approach another National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, may we all take the opportunity to take another step in the direction of reconciliation. As Indigenous people, we are tired of living with trauma, tired of racism, tired of poverty, tired of grief, tired of educating the rest of Canada about who we are and why we experience all of the phenomena that makes the rest of Canada avoidant of us and our needs. We want to share in Canadian society as equals. We want to share the magic of what it means to be Indigenous, and let the beauty of who we are rise to the fore instead.
Reconciliation is not possible without relationship. We need real Nation to Nation engagement, but we also need Canadians to assume the duty of self-education and the education of all of non-Indigenous Canada. I send forth a heartfelt call to action for everyone to explore further the Truth and Reconciliation Commission summary report and its 94 Calls to Action, as well as the In Plain Sight report and its 24 Calls to Action. These are concrete steps in education, and steps in the right direction.
We look forward to meeting you in the Circle.
