Standing in Solidarity with Indigenous Communities

Statement

Toronto, ON, June 30, 2021 – With the recent discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools in British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, we continue to stand face-to-face with tragedy and Canada’s history of racism, violence, and cultural genocide toward Indigenous peoples.

Today, Indigenous people continue to live with the very real impacts of systemic racism and colonialism, which also affect their mental health and well-being. At Renascent, we are so deeply saddened by the harm caused to Canada’s Indigenous peoples and we are filled with grief for the many Indigenous communities who have lost and continue to lose loved ones.  

Regardless of our background, it is the responsibility of every person living in Canada to advance truth and reconciliation. There is much that must be done to deepen our collective understanding of Canada’s past – including its legacy with residential schools – and to demonstrate real action as we work toward reconciliation.

As an addictions treatment and mental health services provider, Renascent will continue to make our voice heard as we join forces in partnership with others to take the steps needed to address inequities within our sector. We stand with Indigenous communities across Canada. In doing so, we also support the Canadian Mental Health Association, which called upon the health care system and decision-makers to heed the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to support Indigenous communities’ calls to action that promote healing, educating, and listening.

For more information, contact:

Donna Harris
Communications & Marketing Specialist
dharris@renascent.ca

About the Authors

Renascent Staff
The staff at Renascent is passionate about helping people with substance addictions so they can reach their full recovery – with compassion, respect, empathy and understanding. Our staff includes our counsellors, all of whom have lived experience of addiction and recovery.