
09/30/2024
A message on the anniversary of the death of Joyce Echaquan (September 28) and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day, September 30)
On these two days of mourning and reflection, we in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences honour the memories of Joyce Echaquan and the victims and survivors of residential schools across Quebec and Canada. As Indigenous Health Professions Program Director Konwahahawi (Sarah) Rourke reminds us in her moving statement today, mcgill.ca/x/whu, these two events are powerfully connected examples of the harmful and lasting impact colonization has had on Indigenous peoples’ education and healthcare. The Faculty will continue to partner with Indigenous colleagues, communities and learners to create spaces together where they can teach and learn, be cared for and be healers, in an environment that is compassionate, respectful and culturally safe.
In the spirit of celebrating and learning about our vibrant Indigenous communities, I hope you can join in the activities offered during McGill’s Indigenous Awareness Weeks, which wrap up on October 2: mcgill.ca/x/whb
Lesley Fellows, MDCM, DPhil
Vice-President (Health Affairs)
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences