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Faculty of Health Sciences

School Of Rehabilitation Science

Truth and Reconciliation

Commitment to Calls to Action

At the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, we recognize the impact and weight of the Truth and Reconciliation process. This process is not something that can be completed overnight.

If you have not already done so, we encourage you to read the report, Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future. Similarly, take a moment to consider the Commission’s Calls to Action. Reflect on how you can incorporate these actions, and the aspirations and amends they represent, into your own life.

We recognize that these actions can be completed instantaneously; the process will take time. Nevertheless, we remain committed to taking local action that drives positive and meaningful change for Indigenous persons within our institution and community.

Land Acknowledgement

McMaster University and the School of Rehabilitation Sciences recognize and acknowledge that they are located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the “Dish with One Spoon” wampum agreement.

We all have a shared responsibility to respect and care for this land on which we live, work, and learn on. We encourage you to learn more about this land, and all of its inhabitants.

To learn more about the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, click here.

To learn more about the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, click here.

To learn more about the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement, click here.

Action Items

Each of the below action items represents our interpretation of progress that we can enact within our local community. This is, and will remain an evolving process.

Throughout the month of September, leading up to the public unveiling of the IAHS mural, we will be releasing an additional action item for the consideration of our community every week.

We encourage all faculty, staff, and students to educate themselves about Indigenous histories and cultures both broadly and locally.

A great starting point is through San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safe Online Training – contact the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge to learn more and of the opportunity to register for FREE. Simply send an email to ihll@mcmaster.ca expressing your interest.

Another FREE option is the University of Alberta’s online course – Indigenous Canada.

Once you understand the allyship process, and associated methods (including what should be avoided), you will be better able to take meaningful action in your life and enact meaningful change.

See – Indigenous Allyship: An Overview.

If you have a teaching position, consider how your lessons and lectures can impart to your students an increased cultural understanding, and foster empathy and respect.

Commit to increasing the number of seats in your academic programs for Indigenous students. Consider how you can closely partner with Indigenous communities to raise awareness for your programs in an inclusive manner.

  • Build relationships with Indigenous leaders and organizations. This could involve meeting with elders, chiefs, and other community leaders to learn about their needs, priorities, and how your programs can address these concerns. First and foremost, it is always important to build these relationships.
  • Co-create specific outreach and recruitment materials. Develop materials that are culturally appropriate and relevant to community needs. Be conscious of stereotypes and harmful representations.

Develop educational awards unique to your program for Indigenous-identifying students to help make higher education more attainable and equitable. These types of financial assistance help students who may otherwise struggle to afford the cost of post-secondary education.

McMaster’s Indigenous Student Services offers links to financial resources that can help students – click here to learn more.

Prospective students of Indigenous heritage can often contact their local band office to learn more about the Post-Secondary Student Support Program.

Indigenous Student Bursaries from across Canada are searchable here.

About the IAHS Mural & Artist

Mural Reveal Video

About the Mural

The theme of this mural is the passing of knowledge to the next generation. In the centre of the image is the figure of a community elder, in the midst of a transformation into the image of an Eagle. The Eagle, in accordance with the Seven Grandfather teachings, brings the teaching of Love. Next to the image of the elder are abstract representations of three sacred medicines to the Iroquois people. Tobacco, Sage, and sweetgrass are all used in ceremonies as an offering to the creator, or as a means to cleanse oneself. Across the background of the mural is a representation of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum, an agreement to peacefully share the land and its resources between both indigenous and non-indigenous people. Encircling the perimeter of the mural are vines with abstract plant life growing from them. This is simply to convey our intrinsic connection to all things in nature and creation.

About the Artist – Kyle Joedicke

Kyle Joedicke is an Indigenous artist currently residing in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is a self-taught woodland-style artist and uses his form of art as a means to reconnect himself with his Indigenous identity, while also bringing Indigenous culture and knowledge in an accessible manner to different communities. His style of art consists of vivid colours, and transformational forms, and creates a sense of movement.

See more of Kyle’s art

Resources for Learning