Each year on Sept. 30, Canada recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a day to honour the Indigenous children who were stolen and the communities that were harmed by the residential school system in Canada. This day was recognized federally in 2021 in response to the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s 80th call to action. By memorializing this date, Nova Scotia has committed to raise awareness of the atrocities inflicted on Mi’kmaw communities in the name of forced assimilation, as well as the legacy of the residential school system.

Orange Shirt Day
September 30 is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led, grassroots movement. The symbol of the orange shirt was inspired by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a Secwépemc woman who as a girl had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Her story shows how society sought to strip away culture, freedom and self-expression from Indigenous children over generations. Orange Shirt Day centres Indigenous personhood and seeks to promote the inherent truth that “Every Child Matters.”

OCTOBER IS MI’KMAW HISTORY MONTH
Each October, Nova Scotians commemorate Mi’kmaw History Month. It’s a time to celebrate the first people of this region and honour their cultural contributions, to practise learning and unlearning, and to build understanding of Mi’kmaw history and heritage. On Oct. 1, people in Nova Scotia mark Treaty Day, which recognizes the 1752 Peace and Friendship Treaty signed by the Mi’kmaq and the British empire.

Truth and reconciliation in healthcare
Anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare is a core aspect of the 94 calls to action outlined by the TRC. In addition to addressing systemic barriers, physicians and all healthcare providers all have a role to play in reconciliation.

Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) encourages physicians to reflect on how they can meaningfully engage with First Nations communities to create change. This can include engaging with Indigenous organizations and community leaders to learn about programs and resources available to support Indigenous patients (for example, Nova Scotia Health’s Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigator service or Tajikeimɨk, the health and wellness organization created and guided by the chiefs and health directors from the 13 First Nations in Mi’kma’ki; Tajikeimɨk, which means “to be healthy” in the Mi’kmaw language, puts Mi’kmaq in control of the design and delivery of their health and wellness services.)

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Wearing orange on Orange Shirt Day is an easy way to start. Consider these suggestions for other ways to broaden your understanding of Indigenous history, attend local events in your community, read books by Indigenous authors [new blog!], support residential school survivors, promote Indigenous health and work toward a better future for all people in Canada.

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