Today, September 30, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a series of meaningful activities that reflect our ongoing commitment to learning, listening and standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities.

This day is dedicated to honouring the survivors of residential schools, remembering the children who never returned home and acknowledging the lasting impact of colonial systems on Indigenous families and communities. At Holland Bloorview, staff are engaging in reflection and action through a variety of initiatives that foster awareness, connection and respect for Indigenous communities.

Wearing orange

Across the hospital, staff are wearing orange to symbolize remembrance and amplify the message: “Every Child Matters.” This visible act of support sparks conversation and reminds us of our commitment to truth, healing and solidarity with Indigenous communities.

“As a health-care provider I wear orange to remember the harms done to Indigenous people and to, instead, create safety,” says Vera Nenadovic, nurse practitioner. “I wear orange to honour the memory of my friends and former family members who suffered the legacy of the residential schools and the Sixties Scoop.”

Indigenous-inspired menu

Throughout September, our cafeteria featured Indigenous-inspired dishes created by renowned Indigenous Chef Paul Natrall. The menu included: Three Sisters Soup, Wild Rice & Blueberry Salad, Yogurt & Wild Berry Parfait and Bison Chili Bannock Taco with Winter Squash Mac & Cheese. Each weekly menu item offered staff a moment to reflect on tradition and celebrate rich cultural heritage.

“Indigenous food is more than a meal - it carries culture, history and a deep connection to the land,” says Zahra Zolfaghari, general manager, support services. “These dishes remind us of the importance of natural ingredients, traditional knowledge and healthy ways of living. By sharing Indigenous food, we honour the stories and traditions that continue to shape our communities and take a step toward meaningful reconciliation.”

Documentary screening

Staff also attended a screening of Cultural Mindfulness, a compelling documentary exploring the legacy of residential schools and the importance of understanding diverse stories on the path to reconciliation. The film, generously shared by a client’s family, was created by George Couchie, a retired police officer and uncle of the client.

“Screening this video marks a meaningful step in our journey,” says Yael Diamond, social worker, brain injury rehab team (BIRT). “It’s an opportunity for personal reflection and collective growth.”

She adds, “The family’s openness and candid feedback about their own inpatient experiences inspires us to foster ongoing dialogue, education and change.Their gesture reflects a hope that Holland Bloorview will continue to actively pursue truth and reconciliation.”

Flag raising ceremony

In a moment of collective reflection, the “Every Child Matters” flag was raised to honour Indigenous children and families. This ceremony serves as a powerful visual and emotional reminder of our shared responsibility to acknowledge the past and commit to truth, justice, and healing.

“This day is dedicated to recognizing the horrific legacy of residential schools and reflecting on our ongoing journey toward healing, understanding and reparation,” says Joanne Maxwell, vice president, experience, transformation and social accountability (ETSA). “We raise the flag to honour those that were lost, harmed and those who continue to be harmed. It’s a symbol of our commitment to further actions towards reconciliation.”

She continues, “The flag reminds us that every child’s life holds value and that the stories and truths of Indigenous children, families and communities must not be forgotten. In raising this flag, we acknowledge the pain that they have endured – and continue to endure – and we recommit ourselves to learning, listening and taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation.”

Truth and Reconciliation display

In honour of this day, we have also created a display at our Grocery Foundation Resource Centre focused on the experiences of Indigenous children. Through curated books and resources, the exhibit encourages reflection, learning and healing.

“This meaningful display centers the experiences of Indigenous children, highlighting their stories through books and resources that foster understanding and compassion,” says Iveta Lewis, manager, health sciences library and archives. “In a hospital dedicated to healing, this work takes on special significance. We aim to support not only through medicine, but through truth-telling, respectful learning and a commitment to reconciliation, core to our library’s mission.”

Virtual solidarity

Throughout September, staff were encouraged to use Truth and Reconciliation-themed Teams backgrounds during virtual meetings. These visuals sparked conversation and demonstrated solidarity with Indigenous communities.

Our commitment to action

At Holland Bloorview, our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation is both personal and collective. It calls on us to reflect deeply on our role in colonization and to take meaningful steps toward decolonization in health care. Through listening, we build understanding; through learning, we open minds; and through acting, we create change.

“Across our organization, from classrooms to clinics, I see staff advocating every day to create safety and bridge gaps in services,” says Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO, Holland Bloorview. “Our collective responsibility is to support this work and to continue advancing our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, so that every First Nations, Inuit, and Métis child who enters our care feels seen, respected, and supported”.

In recognition of this day, we not only reflect on our actions in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, but the work we still have ahead of us.

By Terry Mutuku

Photos by Brendan Byrne