We, in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, stand with our Indigenous communities to honour the memories of Joyce Echaquan and the victims and survivors of residential schools across Quebec and Canada. These two days of mourning and reflection remind us – as Indigenous Health Professions Program Director Konwahahawi (Sarah) Rourke expressed so powerfully in her statement earlier today – that the healing process to repair the harm done to generations of our Indigenous communities is ongoing, difficult and crucial. It is essential that our Faculty is part of that process, by owning our past failings and striving together towards reconciliation, understanding and justice.
Lesley Fellows, MDCM, DPhil, FRCPC
Vice-Principal (Health Affairs)
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences