National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day – Sept. 30

I want to acknowledge and honor the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a significant step towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. As we reflect on this important day, I invite you to join me in making a collective commitment to education, personal learning, and growth in our journey towards healing and unity. 

I believe that education is key to understanding the history and experiences of Indigenous Peoples as we aspire to Value Everyone at Quinte Health hospitals.  Education is a means to foster empathy, respect, and a deeper connection with the Indigenous communities we serve. It is our responsibility to seek knowledge, confront the past, and build a brighter future together.

I am proud that we continue to strengthen partnerships and collaboration with Indigenous communities in the region we serve.  Part of these efforts includes exploring an indigenous navigator role at Quinte Health hospitals, working together to provide the best possible care to our patients.  It is through these partnerships that we aim to strengthen the bonds of trust and understanding – and further our aspirations of Care, Connection, Compassion, and a relentless commitment to Our People.    I know and recognize that we are only at the very beginning of our journey to tackle indigenous racism and the harms that still persist today within and across our communities.   

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate our Indigenous team members, whose contributions are invaluable to our family of four hospitals.  Your unique perspectives and experiences enrich our organization, and we are grateful to have you as part of our family.

I encourage everyone to join me in wearing an orange shirt on September 30th. This act symbolizes our commitment to reconciliation and reflects the meaning of Orange Shirt Day. It is a day of remembrance and a solemn reminder of the experiences of Indigenous children in residential schools. By wearing orange, we show our support for the survivors and their families and our dedication to ensuring such painful chapters are never repeated.

Thousands of Indigenous children died while attending residential schools due to various factors, including abuse, neglect, inadequate living conditions, and diseases.  On National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, our flags are lowered to half-staff to remember the children lost and to recognize the long-term physical and psychological harm suffered by survivors and their communities.  We acknowledge this historical injustice and commit to doing our part in reconciliation through education, strengthening partnerships and meaningful engagement.

Stacey Daub
President and CEO
Quinte Health