Today, September 30, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Holland Bloorview) joins in recognizing National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a day dedicated to honoring the survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and the enduring impact on Indigenous communities across Canada.

"Today is a solemn reminder of the legacy of residential schools and the pain and suffering endured by so many Indigenous children and their families.” said Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO, Holland Bloorview. “As a hospital dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all children, youth and families, we reaffirm our commit to listening, learning, and acting in support of truth and reconciliation. We strive to create an inclusive environment where the insights, guidance and vision of Indigenous Peoples are heard and valued, and where the process of healing, understanding and partnership can continue to grow alongside First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities.”

The hospital commemorates the day with educational, learning and reflective events organized by its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (IDEAA) office.

Flag raising ceremony: “Every child matters”

“Every Child Matters” flag-raising ceremony, for staff, clients, and families to gather in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada.

Film Screening: The Unforgotten

The IDEAA office is sharing a screening of The Unforgotten (2021), a powerful 35-minute film highlighting the health and well-being of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations peoples across five stages of life: birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and elderhood. Featuring stories rich in visuals, poetry and music, the film explores instances of systemic racism, the impacts of colonialism and the ongoing trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples in the Canadian health care system.

Following the screening, attendees will participate in a facilitated discussion which allow for reflection on the trauma Indigenous peoples continue to experience in the Canadian health care system and explore pathways to advance health equity.

Land acknowledgement resource

A land acknowledgement resource was also created for the Holland Bloorview community ahead of the National Truth and Reconciliation Day. This comprehensive resource reviews the origins and purpose of land acknowledgments and is meant to guide participants in crafting their own meaningful and personal land acknowledgements.

“For those of us who are settlers on this land, land acknowledgments force us to be mindful of the truth and reconciliation process.  Crafting a land acknowledgment requires understanding the history of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada and is an important step towards true engagement and allyship.  It is our hope that this resource will allow readers to create meaningful and personal land acknowledgments,” says Lorraine Thomas, manager, inclusion, diversity, equity accessibility and anti-racism (IDEAA).

Holland Bloorview remains committed to fostering education, learning, respect, and remembrance on days of significance, like the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The IDEAA office continues to play a vital role in advancing these conversations and invites questions and further engagement via ideaa@hollandbloorview.ca.

For more information on Holland Bloorview’s Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, visit the IDEAA website.