Truth and Reconciliation Opening Ceremony
by Raiili Pellizzari
(L-R): Dr. Bradley Jacobson, Chief of Staff, TBRHSC; Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute; Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President of Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion; and Elder Emma Boshkaygan.The rain may have delayed us at the moment, but the Every Child Matters flag will fly outside our Hospital all month in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation.
Today was the Opening Ceremony for Truth and Reconciliation led by Elder Emma Boshkaygan, with comments from Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President of Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), and Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day is September 30, coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, a day to acknowledge and reflect on the intergenerational impacts of residential schools while reinforcing the messaging that Every Child Matters.
Leading up to September 30, our Hospital’s Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion portfolio has organized various events to honour the survivors and recognize the importance of Truth and Reconciliation. Events for staff include beading and drumming, with an Indigenous Craft and Food Vendor Market open for staff and the public on September 25.
