September 30, 2021, marked the first observance of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, following the identification of unmarked burials at former Indian Residential School sites.
Recognizing this day was one of the first steps in a long journey towards understanding and meaningful reconciliation.(1)
At our Annual Meeting and 65th Anniversary celebration on June 22, 2023, Mary Lewis, Bellwoods’ Board Chair, opened the event that took place at our supportive housing sites at 1082 Dundas Street West and 300 Shaw Street (Toronto) with the following Land Acknowledgement:
Bellwoods Centres for Community Living Inc. acknowledges the land and expresses gratitude to the First Nations that have lived, for time immemorial, on the particular land we are gathered on. In doing so, we express our respect, a small antidote for the many disrespectful actions, both large and small, of our colonial past as well as many current inequities.
Respect for others is a deeply held value of Bellwoods, so it is with respect and gratitude that we acknowledge that we come together on the traditional territories of several indigenous peoples. This land is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit & the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
As part of Bellwoods’ operational plan in 2023-24 and our M-SAA agreement with Ontario Health, Bellwoods is dedicated to working through a process of establishing a First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Health Workplan, which aligns with provincial guidance, and includes a plan for Indigenous cultural awareness (improving understanding of Indigenous history, perspectives, cultures, and traditions) and cultural safety (improving understanding of anti-racist practice and identifying individual and systemic biases that contribute to racism across the health care system).(2)
During the process of creating this multi-year plan, Bellwoods will utilize feedback and participation from internal and external stakeholders. Once these opportunities become available, Bellwoods will reach out to staff, clients, and community partners to solicit their participation.
We encourage everyone to take an opportunity to access the following sources to learn, unlearn, and reflect on Truth and Reconciliation Day and throughout the year.
