To all members of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences community,
Today, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, to honour the victims and survivors of residential schools. Two days ago was the sombre anniversary of the tragic death of Atikamekw community member Joyce Echaquan.
Collectively reflecting on these painful chapters in our history is a necessary act in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences’ (FMHS) ongoing effort to build bridges with Indigenous community partners towards truth and reconciliation, in healthcare and education specifically, as well as in society at large.
The work undertaken by the Indigenous Health Professions Program (IHPP), created in response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, plays a key role. We would like to take this opportunity to share a small sampling of initiatives the IHPP has been working on or supporting:
The Indigenous Health Outreach Club (IHOC) Orange Shirt Day t-shirt sale fundraiser: IHOC members have been selling t-shirts at the McIntyre Medical Building in the week leading up to Orange Shirt Day, with all proceeds going to a local Indigenous organization focusing on Indigenous health. Last chance to get yours: September 30, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., McMed 5th floor.
Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC): This new group will bring together Indigenous faculty, staff, learners, clinicians, researchers, and leaders from across the FMHS to provide guidance on IHPP priorities, initiatives, and strategic direction. The IAC will ensure Indigenous voices and perspectives inform the decisions and activities of the IHPP and the Faculty, and will meet for the first time this fall.
Fireside Chat with Dr. Stanley Vollant: On October 27, Dr. Vollant, Innu from Pessamit First Nation and Quebec’s first Indigenous surgeon, will reflect on the 2026 Mamu Nikantetau Expedition, a walking journey connecting Anishinabeg and Kanien’kehà:ka territories. (Details coming soon).
We look forward to the academic year ahead with special gratitude towards our Indigenous learners, faculty, staff and community partners for choosing to learn and work with us, for helping us understand and incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, and for contributing to the richness of our learning and community experience.
Niawen’kó:wa / Merci / Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lesley Fellows, MDCM, DPhil
Vice-President (Health Affairs)
Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Beth-Ann Cummings, MDCM, MSc
Vice-Dean, Education and Community Engagement
Antoine Gagnon
Lead, Indigenous Health Professions Program