Children’s services including mental health treatment, youth justice and children’s aid, have long histories of contributing to systems of power and privilege that have oppressed and marginalized First Nations, Metis and Inuit children, youth and families. We have a responsibility as a sector to advance work that contributes to the decolonization of mental health care and supports Indigenous-led solutions and practices for Indigenous families.
On September 30, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto will be hosting a webinar panel discussing the challenges and opportunities for transforming child welfare services. More information and the link to register can be found here.
As settlers, we have work to do to educate ourselves and confront how we have and continue to, benefit from colonialism and operate in systems that have been built to perpetuate systemic oppression and discrimination. Today and every day we must recognize the personal and collective roles and responsibilities we have to reconciliation and de-colonization.
Ahead of September 30th, we would like to share some resources – books, podcasts, webinars and events – that may be a part of your reconciliation journey, learning and unlearning. Thank you to our member agencies, our staff and friends, who shared these resources with us. Please feel free to share with your teams and friends.
Webinars
CMHO Webinar: Health Equity and Anti-Indigenous Racism
Date and Time: September 29 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Description: This webinar will explore the history of systemic racism faced by Indigenous communities in Canada and will discuss the importance of addressing these deeply-rooted inequities in order to improve mental health outcomes for and provide culturally appropriate services to Indigenous children, youth, and families.
Register here
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto: Decolonizing Child Welfare
Date and Time: September 30 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Description: Community leaders will be speaking on the challenges and opportunities for transforming child welfare services following the first five Calls to Action of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Register here
Readings
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson
I am Raven by David Bouchard
The Long History of Discrimination against First Nations Children – Cindy Blackstock
Canada’s Residential Schools: Missing and Unmarked Burials – The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
All Our Relations: Finding the Path Forward by Tanya Talaga
Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City by Tanya Talaga
Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
Orange Shirt Day – Phyllis’ Story
Note: Many of the books mentioned above can be purchased from GoodMinds.com, which is a First Nations family-owned business
Podcasts and Audio Learnings
Kanesatake 300 Years Later – The Secret Life of Canada podcast
Events
September 28: Film Review and Discussion – Waakebiness-Bryce Insititute for Indigenous Health
September 29: Virtual Tour: Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre – Dalla Lana School of Public Health
September 30: Remember Me: A National Day of Remembrance Livestream
September 27 – October 1: Truth and Reconciliation Week: A Virtual Event for Canadian Youth Grades 5 to 12 – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
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