June is National Indigenous History Month—a time for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. For the Central West Ontario Health Team (CW OHT), this is a moment of reflection, learning, and recommitment to equity and reconciliation within our healthcare system.
A Time for Learning and Listening
Indigenous Peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial, each with their own distinct languages and cultures. National Indigenous History Month invites us to deepen our understanding of this rich history, to not only to honour the past but to help shape a more inclusive future.
We encourage our partners, staff, and community members to take this month as an opportunity to:
- Learn about Indigenous histories and the impact of colonization, including the legacy of residential schools and ongoing systemic inequities.
- Celebrate Indigenous resilience and contributions in areas such as medicine, art, governance, and environmental stewardship.
- Listen to Indigenous voices—including Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders, whose lived experiences and wisdom guide the path toward reconciliation.
To support learning and reflection, we invite you to explore this Indigenous-Created Educational Resource document, a curated list of materials developed by Indigenous community members.
Our Commitment to Reconciliation
At the CW OHT, we are committed to working in partnership with Indigenous communities to advance culturally safe, trauma-informed care. This means:
- Building trust through respectful relationships with local Indigenous organizations and communities.
- Creating safer spaces for Indigenous clients, patients, families, and staff.
- Embedding cultural humility in our everyday practices and training.
Resource
Click here for an Indigenous-Created Educational Resource document.
Looking Ahead
Reconciliation is not a one-month effort—it’s a continuous journey. As a health team, we remain committed to furthering our education, listening, learning, and taking action alongside Indigenous communities every day of the year.
Together, we can build a future rooted in respect, understanding, and partnership.
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