By Denise Graham, Lead, Indigenous Health, Planning and Implementation, Ontario Health East Region
I am a proud Anishnaabe Kwe from the Alderville First Nation, which is on the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig (Mississauga) and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaty First Nations, 1923. My community is located south of Rice Lake in the County of Northumberland. I left my community for higher education and employment as a young adult but have always remained connected to my homeland, where I now permanently reside.
The bonds within my family and community have always remained strong. I am the youngest of 11 children. There are now only two sisters and me left, but we have large families. Due to the long history of colonization, we were not raised knowing our language, our culture or the traditional ways, but we were taught the Seven Grandfather teachings (Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility and Wisdom). I carry those teachings with me and try to live by them every day.
Generational Strength
I’m not a Residential School survivor nor was I part of the Sixties Scoop, but I do remember the Indian Agent. As a small child, I remember this man coming to my home, always unannounced. He would question my mother about such things as if we were fed, what we were fed, how often, were we bathed regularly, etc. He would walk around our house from room to room making notes. He gave off a nasty vibe and his tone was just as nasty. Once my mother even shooed him out of the house with an old corn broom and swore at him to never come back.
It was rare that my mom used foul language, but it made me realize the significance of what the Indian Agent was all about and, more importantly, the unbreakable protection that my mother had for us. Her strength and conviction are traits that she passed on to my sisters and me.
I’ve been subjected to racism and discrimination, including varying degrees of sexual harassment, over my lifetime. It saddens me to see this is still happening to Indigenous people today. We have a very rich history that needs to be told, understood and accepted for significant changes to be made.
As has been said many times by many Indigenous people, there can’t be any reconciliation without truth. I’ve never lost the importance of needing to know who I am as an Anishnaabe Kwe and am so very proud to be who I am today. I’ve not had my parents now for a very long time and only have two surviving siblings. I cherish each day and the love and support that my family has for me and for each other. I’m learning more about my culture and traditions and this, too, is an exciting journey for me.
Building Relationships to Improve Health Equity
In my role with Ontario Health, my main responsibilities are to build meaningful and collaborative relationships through visits with the Indigenous communities, Indigenous organizations and the health service providers that deliver programs and services to the Indigenous population. Through their sharing of information, I can identify community pressures, issues and concerns. I also learn their successes and best practices, which is equally valuable.
I hope to create a better appreciation of the rich history, the skills and knowledge that Indigenous communities and Indigenous people have. There are many challenges that Indigenous communities and Indigenous organizations have with the way various levels of government operate. There are also many systemic processes that impact our collective ability to better meet the needs of the Indigenous population.
Remember, Reflect, Act
September 30 is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. It serves as an opportunity to remember, reflect and take action. For everyone working in health care, I strongly encourage taking Ontario Health’s Indigenous Relationship and Cultural Awareness training. These courses explore the impact of colonialism, broader social determinants of health, current political realities and persistent racism on the health of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous people. They also promote greater awareness of First Nation, Inuit and Métis history, culture and knowledge and highlight their influence of the health and wellness of the community.