On September 30, CMHA Durham stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This day honours the strength and resilience of residential school survivors, their families and their communities.
CMHA Durham is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg.
Indigenous peoples have lived, learned, and cared for this land since ancestral times, and continue to contribute to the cultural, social, and spiritual fabric of our communities. Local Indigenous leaders, knowledge keepers, and organizations play a vital role in advancing healing, education, and advocacy in Durham.
While it is vital to acknowledge the harms of Canada’s history, it is equally important to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Indigenous peoples in mental health, academia, the arts and advocacy. Indigenous communities are leading the way in creating vibrant, empowered futures. CMHA Durham is committed to supporting these efforts and learning from Indigenous leadership.
Action, not just words
Acknowledging past harms is not enough. We must act.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action provide a clear path forward. The health care system, including mental health services, must listen to and support Indigenous communities. This means centering Indigenous world views, knowledge, and ways of being, while also amplifying Indigenous voices and investing in Indigenous-led solutions.
At CMHA Durham, we are taking steps to turn commitment into action. We have partnered with Indigenous-specific consulting and training organizations to strengthen cultural safety across our programs. We are also recruiting specialists to enhance mental health initiatives and ensure culturally safe services for Indigenous clients. Our employee education includes cultural awareness, anti-racism training, and learning sessions designed to embed Indigenous perspectives into our daily practice.
Our physical space has been transformed as well. By inviting a local Indigenous artist to create a mural in our workplace, we now have a powerful visual reminder of reconciliation and the shared future we are working toward.
To foster curiosity and deepen our reconciliation journey, we encourage employees to attend and participate in local events, such as the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Pow Wow. Together with Indigenous organizations and our Employee Resource Groups, we are co-developing programs and resources that respond to the mental health needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Durham.
These steps are part of an ongoing journey. We know reconciliation is not a destination, but a commitment to continuous learning, accountability, and action in partnership with Indigenous communities.
A commitment to co-creating mental health services with indigenous communities
CMHA branches are committed to fostering reciprocity and sustaining meaningful relationships with Indigenous leaders and organizations to strengthen mental health supports. Together, we are committed to:
- Supporting Indigenous-led mental health initiatives that honour traditional healing practices and ways of being.
- Building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities to co-create mental health programs.
- Ensuring cultural awareness training for employees so services respect and respond to the unique needs of Indigenous peoples.
- Promoting self-determination by valuing Indigenous approaches to mental health and well-being.
Local resources and partnerships
- Durham Region Walk for Reconciliation – Sept. 26 from 10 a.m, Whitby
- Indigenous arts and wellness vendor market – Sept. 30 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Ajax, Pat Bayley Square
- Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Circle, – Sept. 25 from 6:30 to 7:30 p., Courtice Library
- Participate in the Moccasin Identifier Project – Sept. 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at Robinson House at the Oshawa Museum
