The Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP) would like to recognize and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We celebrate the contributions made by Indigenous populations, beginning long before the arrival of settlers. We also acknowledge the devastating damage colonialism has caused leading to systemic barriers that are still faced by Indigenous people today.
Today and everyday, the ACFP commits to consistently learning, reviewing, and applying change to our processes, language, and attitudes that contribute to systemic racism. We are on a journey, and hope that our members, partnering organizations, the public, and especially Indigenous colleagues, leaders, and peers can guide us as we work toward better understanding the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and how we can play a role in bringing its goals to fruition.
On this important day, we encourage everyone to take some time for reflection, education, and unlearning. Some resources we recommend include:
- The Unforgotten: This impactful film explores the health and well-being of Inuit, Métis and First Nations peoples across five stages of life. The anthology uncovers instances of systemic racism, the impacts of colonialism and the ongoing trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples in the Canadian health care system.
- The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.
- The National Residential School Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) provides 24-hour crisis support to former Residential School students and their families.
- Consider donating to Indigenous-led charitable organizations to contribute to reconciliation efforts in Canada.
- Review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
- The First Nations Caring Society: provides reconciliation-based public education, research, and support to promote the safety and wellbeing of First Nations children, young people, families, and Nations.
- Support Indigenous Cinema from the National Film Board.
We hope you are able to make use of these resources all year round. The ACFP will continue to do our part in working towards a future of system transformation where the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action have been realized.
Terri Potter
Executive Director
Alberta College of Family Physicians
