September 30 is recognized across Canada as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, settlers, newcomers and Indigenous people in Canada are called to a deeper understanding of this country’s history with Indigenous people and the long-lasting effects of the residential school system.
Eldercare’s offices are located on the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən (also known as the Songhees), and Xwsepsum (also known as the Esquimalt) Nations. With deep respect, we acknowledge and thank the lək̓ʷəŋən People – past, present, and future – for their stewardship, care, and leadership on these lands. We look forward to continued relationship building with all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples living on these lands and across Vancouver Island, to honor and restore these cultures that hold such a deep respect for elders.
Eldercare Foundation is currently working to support Indigenous elders through our Elder Carts, similar to our Comfort Cart program, but with specific items and improved access for First Nations elders through Island Health’s Indigenous Liaison Nurses and Indigenous Patient Navigators. We are also proud to be building a new program that works with Indigenous makers to create and distribute medicine bundles with traditional medicines that will be provided to First Nations elders in both acute and long-term care settings.
For us, these actions are a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, specifically:
“We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize 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.”
For additional resources and ways to engage with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we recommend this blog post on the Men’s Health Foundation website: 8 Ways To Engage In Truth And Reconciliation.