ABES College marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and shares learning resources with our students and faculty. This statement sets out why that work matters for people training to care for others, and points to publicly available resources on Indigenous history and allyship.
Canada marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
In recognition of the loss of life and culture suffered by First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, we are sharing resources with our students and faculty that aim to inform and foster allyship. As we educate future health care providers, it is crucial that we not only teach the practical skills they need to perform their jobs, but also provide students with context and insight into the hardships faced by members of the communities they will go on to serve. Empathy and understanding are as valuable as any other skill within our facilities, and in the greater health care workforce.
Resources we are sharing
From Coursera, “Indigenous Canada” is a free course that explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.
“How to be an Ally” from Laurentian University is a comprehensive collection of resources meant to provide a starting block for practicing genuine allyship with members of Indigenous Communities in Canada and beyond.
“10 Ways to be a Genuine Ally to Indigenous Communities” is an Amnesty International resource that explores the meaning of Allyship and provides digestable information to keep top of mind in order to be a better ally.
We will be listening to the voices of our Indigenous faculty and students, and encouraging discussion and education surrounding the horrific legacy of Canada’s residential school system. By learning from and confronting the past, our next generation of health care and community support workers will be better equipped to provide compassionate care to everyone.
Indigenous learners at ABES College can also read about student funding options at ABES College.
