Horizon hosts first annual Truth and Reconciliation Day event

On September 14, 160 Horizon employees gathered in Fredericton to learn about truth and reconciliation and how it applies to health care. This is the first Horizon-led initiative in response to recommendation 57 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action.

The event was a joint effort between several departments across Horizon including Indigenous Health, Employee Engagement and Learning Services.

“Sometimes, talking about truth and reconciliation is not easy. But at the end of the day, I’m hoping that my coworkers and colleagues feel encouraged and empowered learning about truth and reconciliation, and reflect on ways that truth and reconciliation applies to health care,” said Aaron Hatty, Regional Manager of Indigenous Health.

The event was filled with learnings from Indigenous staff including Shelley Francis, Registered Nurse, and Aaron Hatty, Shyanne Tatton and Wanda Ward from Horizon’s Indigenous Health team. A lunch was provided from a local Indigenous-owned restaurant, Jenna’s Nut-Free Dessertery.

“I was aware of all the things that were mentioned today, but still, to be in the audience and be a witness of this and meet people who are members of the local Indigenous community, it really moved me. I know this will stick with me,” said Sebastien Cormier, Employee Wellness Coordinator.

As a part of Horizon’s Employee Engagement initiative, Our Promise, we are committed to providing staff with a sense of safety and belonging within the organization. This includes recognizing the meaning behind Truth and Reconciliation Day and the effects of colonization on the Indigenous population, and sharing this knowledge with staff.

On this day, take a moment to acknowledge it’s meaning and learn more about Indigenous peoples and the effects of colonization.