AHS Sessions - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, we honour the children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Taking time to remember is an important part of moving towards reconciliation.

AHS commemorated the day with reflective sessions on Wednesday, September 25.

Session 1: Truth & Reconciliation
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Jesse Alook-Lambrecht
Watch the recorded session here
In this session you will learn the history of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and discuss the health-related Calls to Action.

Session 2: Allyship and ReconciliACTION
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Kendra Deveau
Watch the recorded session here
As we gather in solidarity with Indigenous peoples and communities, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a critical time for non-indigenous folks to step up in meaningful ways. This national day of mourning is an important time for all Canadians to recognize and honour those impacted by the history and legacy of the residential school system. In this session, we will explore what it means to show up for Survivors and their families, discussing ways that helpers, allies and accomplices can use the principle of Ethical Space to advance reconciliation through authentic action.

Session 3: Keynote
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Elder Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack
Watch the recorded session here
We welcome Elder Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack as our keynote speaker. Francis is from the Saddle Lake First Nation and will be sharing his heartfelt story as a residential school survivor. In addition, Francis as a community leader and educator will share his thoughts on reconciliation and his accomplishments that lead to him being a recipient of an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Alberta and having a school named after him by the Edmonton Public School Board. Francis’s story of loss, strength resilience and hope will be inspirational and leave a lasting memory for all.

Session 4: Reconciliation in Healthcare: A Special Thank You Dance
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Watch the recorded session here
Truth and reconciliation within healthcare includes integrating culturally-safe care and healing practices for Indigenous patients and families during their care journey. This session will share the story of an Indigenous family who overcame incredible odds at the Stollery Hospital in Edmonton in 2024. Thanks to the culturally-centred care and support received from the Pediatric Trauma/Surgery healthcare team, their son avoided a limb amputation and successfully returned to pow wow dancing. Now overwhelmed with gratitude, the family wishes to show their appreciation for the blessings they have received by performing a special thank you dance – a tea dance.

Session 5: Sharing Circle/Debrief
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
AHS recognizes this day may be heavy and we want to be aware of vicarious trauma that may surface with AHS staff and participants who attended the day's sessions.

We will be facilitating a sharing circle as an opportunity to provide a venue that is safe for those that wish to attend to assist in seeking emotional/mental support in processing uncomfortable thoughts and emotions that have surfaced. This is optional and we welcome all to attend and know we are here to listen.