Healing Stories: Public Health and the Legacy of Residential Schools
Written by admin, September 9, 2016
September 7, 2016 – Kawartha Truth & Reconciliation Support Group Quilton Display at Peterborough Public Health
A quilt created by the Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group (KTRSG) is prominently on display at Peterborough Public Health until September 23, 2016.
“We are honoured to provide a public location to this beautiful quilt that was created by KTRSG as a response to the history of residential schools in Canada,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “This quilt is strongly connected to public health as the stories it holds are intended to support healing and good health by honouring this difficult part of our national heritage so we can move forward as a country that respects all First Nations.”
At 8’ wide by 6’ tall, the quilt is comprised of 24 squares that each represent an individual KTRSG member’s response to the legacy of residential schools. The quilt was created to circulate throughout our wider community to acknowledge the pain and suffering inflicted on Indigenous peoples by this brutal system and to promote the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 calls to action.
“Local public health agencies are working with Indigenous partners across Ontario to develop local strategies that address the health inequities experienced by many First Nations people,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “Our own board of health takes the TRC’s calls to actions very seriously and is privileged to have leaders from Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations serving on the board for the benefit of everyone’s public health.”
Members of the public are encouraged to view the quilt hung on the second floor outside the elevators at Peterborough Public Health at Jackson Square on 185 King St. during business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391