Truth and Reconciliation Day: Resources and Initiatives
This day provides an opportunity for all staff, physicians, and community members to engage in reflection, learning, and actions that foster understanding, healing, and a commitment to Indigenous communities.
As we approach Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30th, the Winnipeg health region is committed to honoring the legacy of residential school survivors and their families, while actively participating in meaningful actions towards reconciliation.
This day provides an opportunity for all staff, physicians, and community members to engage in reflection, learning, and actions that foster understanding, healing, and a commitment to Indigenous communities.
Initiatives for Truth and Reconciliation Day
There are several initiatives to raise awareness, promote education, and support Indigenous-led efforts for healing and reconciliation across the region.
Reflection and Action
We recognize that reconciliation is a continuous process, and we are committed to playing an active role. Truth and Reconciliation Day is an important moment for us all to reflect on our shared history and contribute to a future built on respect, understanding, and partnership with Indigenous communities.
We invite all staff to participate in an interactive reflection activity to focus your attention on acts of reconciliation.
- Looking Back: What lessons have you learned or moments of growth have you experienced regarding Indigenous health, history, or reconciliation?
- In the Present: What steps do you take to support reconciliation in your personal or professional life?
- Looking Forward: What do you hope to see in the future as part of our collective work toward reconciliation?
See reflections from WRHA Executive Leadership, and staff across the system, here.
Grand Rounds Workshop with Gramma Shingoose
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Location: MS Teams
We are honored to host Gramma Shingoose, a 9-year residential school survivor, for a special Grand Rounds Workshop. Gramma Shingoose will share her personal experiences and wisdom with our staff. This workshop is a valuable opportunity to listen, reflect, and learn about the ongoing impacts of the residential school system, and to gain insight into how we can continue to walk the path of reconciliation together.
Biography, Survivor GRAMMA SHINGOOSE
In June 2015, after the TRC closed, Geraldine received a vision from her ancestors. In her vision, a spirit showed her that she needed to go out and share her story. Geraldine presents with honesty and compassion on the history and impact of residential school. She shares her story to provide an accurate, first-person account of the shame, violence, and violations felt by Indigenous children in the residential school system and the years of marginalization and discrimination perpetrated by the system in its nearly 90-year existence (1883-1996).
Geraldine has presented to school-age children ages 6 to 18, as well as university/college students. She has a sincere hope these students will share her story with future generations in order to ensure that this never happens again. Geraldine sends out a message of hope and healing. Her story speaks about resilience and overcoming her residential school experience. Students who have heard Geraldine’s story were inspired to learn more and research the residential school experience. They now understand, more fully, the struggle of survivors. Thanks to Geraldine, aka Gramma Shingoose, for having the strength to overcome her 9-year experience in Muscowequan Residential School (1962-1971).
Geraldine Shingoose was born in Grandview, MB, in 1957, Treaty Territory 4, from Tootinaowazibeeng Treaty Reserve. She now lives in Winnipeg. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba in 1998 and has dedicated 25 years to the field of social work. She is an Indigenous grassroots grandmother who gives her compassion to frontline issues, such as MMIW and racism. She is a protector and voice for the land and waters. She is called on by many community events, organizations, and universities to open events in a good way with a prayer offering and to share her teachings and wisdom.
Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters – September 30
Participate by wearing your orange shirt in support of residential school survivors on September 30. This initiative is a visual reminder that every child matters.
Healthcare Excellence Canada: Webinar Series
Date: October 29, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Register to attend
In this session, participants will hear about First Nations, Inuit and Métis’ experiences with the healthcare system, safety incidents in the form of dehumanization and the harms resulting from racism. First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders from across the country will also discuss how their healthcare organizations are addressing systemic racism and improving cultural safety.
Staff & Physician Resource Hub
We have created a dedicated Truth and Reconciliation Resource Hub, which includes:
- Educational materials and video content on residential schools and Indigenous cultures.
- Reading lists, including The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
- Information on how to incorporate cultural humility and safety into healthcare settings.
- Contact information for local Indigenous organizations providing supports in the region.
For more information on our initiatives and resources, visit our Truth and Reconciliation Resource Hub or contact WRHA Indigenous Health Services at 204-940-8880, or email indigenoushealth@wrha.mb.ca.
