We Are All Treaty People
A Land Acknowledgment from Hospice Halifax
Hospice Halifax respectfully acknowledges that we are located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral, unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. We are grateful to be located on the shores of We’kwaltijk (Way-gwal-dijchk), also known as the Northwest Arm.
This area is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship,” which the Mi’kmaq first signed with the British Crown in 1725. These treaties do not surrender lands and resources but establish the rules for an ongoing relationship between nations. We are all Treaty people.
Hospice Halifax is humbly committed to the ongoing work of providing culturally safe health care.
As part of this work, we look to the Calls to Action put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. (#22, #23)
In recognizing the value of Indigenous healing practices, we create space for these practices in collaboration with Indigenous healers and Elders. We acknowledge the need to increase the number of Indigenous health care workers in our health care system and to nurture cultural competency within our team.
Land Acknowledgements recognize our shared responsibility to Indigenous land and peoples. For thousands of years and hundreds of generations, Mi’kmaq have lived, shared stories, gathered, grieved, and cared for loved ones on this land.
We are grateful to provide compassionate care as treaty people in Mi’kma’ki.
Calls to Action put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.
- We call upon all levels of government to:
i. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the
health-care field.
ii. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal
communities.
iii. Provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals.
