CAMH gets together in spirit of reconciliation

While the theme of reconciliation was woven through the events hosted at CAMH on June 19 in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, another theme was also always present.

That theme was “hope.”

It was alluded to during the morning’s “Honouring Our Ancestors” welcome at the Ceremony Grounds. It was mentioned more than once during the morning’s panel discussion, “How can CAMH respond to the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report?” And hope was felt in the drumming, song, dance and regalia of the Pow Wow that inspired and entertained staff, patients and the community throughout the afternoon.

“I certainly feel that it’s hope that brings me here today and every day,” Dr. Renee Linklater, Director of CAMH’s Aboriginal Engagement and Outreach, said during the morning’s panel discussion. “At CAMH, I have hope that we have colleagues who are going to work together around reconciliation. It’s not that it’s easy all the time but it’s important and rewarding work.”

The day started with a Ceremony led by CAMH Elder Cynthia White that included a sacred fire, traditional song and offerings to the ancestors, helping to set the tone for the day’s events.

“We’re working and we’re helping our patients but we do a lot of healing ourselves, too,” said Lisa Wabange, a Regional Aboriginal Training Coordinator for Aboriginal Workforce Development, Aboriginal Engagement and Outreach, who attended the Ceremony. “This ceremony is a reminder of what we do. We’re always healing and working and growing.”

A crowd of about 100 people then gathered for a panel discussion that included Dr. Catherine Zahn, CAMH President and CEO; Dr. Wilton Littlechild, past Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and Dr. Allison Crawford, Director of the Northern Psychiatric Outreach Program and Telepsychiatry and co-lead of the ECHO Ontario First Nations, Inuit and Métis Wellness with Dr. Linklater. The discussion also welcomed Chief Stacey LaForme of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, and was moderated by Dr. Linklater.

“We’re at a time when I really believe we’re all in this together as Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It’s a time to think about how we move forward together,” Dr. Linklater said. “It is going to take Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to move forward in reconciliation. It can’t just be us as Indigenous people talking about what reconciliation means and it can’t be just non-Indigenous people leading initiatives.”

With a focus on moving talk into action, the panel discussed a number of approaches CAMH could take as an institution, including approaching care for Indigenous patients through a trauma-informed lens; working in culturally safe ways; continuing to work toward breaking down the stigma around mental illness and the systemic racism that has long-been a part of the mental health care system; and sharing knowledge and best practices with other care providers.

But while we have much to teach, we also have so much to learn – and our work in reconciliation is just beginning.

“One of our promises is that we will all learn and teach,” said Dr. Zahn. “We’ve come a long way in our understanding of how we can listen and hear.”

“Reconciliation is not always going to feel good, but if it’s feeling uncomfortable, it’s probably a good sign,” added Dr. Crawford. “As health care providers we’re often full of good intentions, but good intentions are not good enough.”

There are approaches individuals can take, too.

“Have you read the 94 calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report? If not, read them and pick one that speaks to you – and implement it,” said Dr. Littlechild, who had travelled from Treaty 6 Territory in Alberta to take part in the panel discussion. “Reconciliation begins with each of us.”

The day concluded with Getting Together in the Spirit of Reconciliation. This four-hour Pow Wow and Inter-Tribal Social took place under a clear blue sky in the green space behind unit 4, and featured traditional drum groups the Young Creek Singers and Ashunyung Singers, as well as dancers, food, crafts and vendors. It entertained and educated – and undoubtedly added to the overwhelming sense of hope.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is officially June 21.