20.Jun.2014
By Lori Spadorcia, Vice President, Communications and Partnerships at CAMH
National Aboriginal Day has me thinking about the importance of the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada, my own life experiences and the responsibility that we all have in making this country a better place for all those who live here.
Having grown up in Brantford on the traditional territory of the Six Nations of the Grand River, I was well attuned to the cultural divide and broken communications between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
Being just a few kilometers away from a First Nations community did nothing to enhance my knowledge of the rich history and geography – it just wasn’t taught in school.
I didn’t get properly educated until I had the remarkable opportunity in my adult life to work with First Nations communities first-hand.
It was during this time that I learned of the extraordinary impact that relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people have had on the lives of citizens and on the progress of our communities.
It was also during this time that I learned the true meaning of the word “relationship” and the basic values attached to it as outlined in the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples – mutual recognition and respect, and sharing and responsibility.
Throughout our history we have abandoned these values when it has seemed convenient to do so. These basic values need to be injected back into our conversations if we are to move forward and create a better future for everyone who lives in this country.
The truth of the matter is that rates of poverty, educational attainment, poor housing, morbidity, mortality and suicide are all higher when measured in Aboriginal children and families. First Nations youth die by suicide at a rate that is five to six times higher than non-Aboriginal youth. Aboriginal people are more likely than the rest of the population to be incarcerated. And, they are more likely to be the victims of violent crimes and physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse.
This isn’t what any of us want for our country. Building positive relationships between all levels of government, First Nations communities and neighbouring cities, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations is critical.
What I’ve learned over the years is that where there is progress, there are strong relationships and where there is friendship, anything is possible.
I’ll never forget reading about the seventh generation principle. It says that you must look back seven generations and look forward seven generations and realize that we are the balance. It is a traditional way of thinking and decision making that orients between past and future and tells us to be conscious of the lasting impact of our decisions today and to do the best we can for the generations of tomorrow.
On this National Aboriginal Day, it’s time for us to reconnect with those basic values laid out in the Royal Commission report, honour the seventh generation principle and make the right decisions that will ensure a better tomorrow for future generations.