Resources for Settler Families
Settler Family = non-Indigenous family living on unceded land in Canada & benefiting from the structures colonialism.
Many families, communities & businesses have shifted their focus from the usual July 1st celebrations this year, to intentionally pausing to reflect & learn about the parts of our history that have be actively suppressed & oppressed. I’ve gathered some of the resources I’m exploring & have been sharing over the last few weeks.
Why share this information & these resources in a space focused on maternal-infant health?
Personal, intergenerational & collective trauma impact maternal health, from pregnancy, through birth, postpartum, breastfeeding & beyond.
Indigenous families & communities have experienced the trauma of colonialism for generations & the systems of oppression created through colonialism still exist & cause trauma today.
Truth & Reconciliation supports the health, healing & wellbeing of indigenous families & communities by:
- Acknowledging “the current state of Aboriginal health in Canada is a direct result of previous Canadian government policies, including residential schools, and to recognize and implement the health-care rights of Aboriginal people as identified in international law, constitutional law, and under the Treaties.” (NCTR Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action #18)
- Establishing “measurable goals to identify and close the gaps in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities” (NCTR Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action #19)
- Publishing “annual progress reports and assess longterm trends. Such efforts would focus on indicators such as: infant mortality, maternal health, suicide, mental health, addictions, life expectancy, birth rates, infant and child health issues, chronic diseases, illness and injury incidence, and the availability of appropriate health services.” (NCTR Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action #19)
- Recognizing, respecting & addressing “the distinct health needs of the Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples.” (NCTR Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action #20)
- Providing “sustainable funding for existing and new Aboriginal
healing centres to address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harms caused by residential schools, and to ensure that the funding of healing centres in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories is a priority.” (NCTR Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action #21) - Recognizing “the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.” (NCTR Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action #22)
- Increasing “the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health-care field, ensuring the retention of Aboriginal health-care
providers in Aboriginal communities & providing cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals.” (NCTR Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action #23) - Requiring all medical & nursing “students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and
practices. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.” (NCTR Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action #24)
Online Resources for Learning
Indigenous Canada – University of Alberta Native Studies Course (free enrollment)
UBC Learning Circle – Video Library – Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health
National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation
Teaching Our Children About Residential Schools & Truth & Reconciliation
Education Resources – National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation
Children’s Books About Residential Schools
Movies to Watch
Indian Horse (available for rent or purchase in Canada on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Store & YouTube Movies)
We Were Children (available for rent or purchase in Canada on Amazon Prime Video & Google Play Store)
Donating Financial Resource
Aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS)
Provides essential services to Residential School Survivors, their families, and to those dealing with intergenerational traumas.
A national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for more than 19 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential School System (RSS) and subsequent Sixties Scoop (SS) on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities to promote healing and Reconciliation.
Contact Your Member of Parliament
Let them know you are in support of reconciliation with Indigenous people as outlined in the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. Ask them about what they are actively doing to take action & hold them accountable. (Find your MP & their contact information here.)
Follow, Share & Participate in the #94in94 Campaign
A social media campaign on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In & Twitter, the campaign will cover all 94 Calls to Action from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada & encourage everyone to take action on at least one call to action, in their own lives.
A collaboration between Reconciliation Thunder & Circles for Reconciliation, the “campaign will conclude on September 30 in honour of Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, commemorating the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada.”
This is not an exhaustive list but my hope is that it supports you & your family in taking the next steps in being an active ally of the Indigenous people of this land.