Author: Myriam Quinn

Press release – Welland (Ontario), September 28^th 2022

We would like to acknowledge that the lands on which we are gathered are part of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabe traditional territory, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties, is part of the lands protected by the Wampum Belt Agreement called Dish With One Spoon, and is directly adjacent to the Haldimand Treaty Territory.

For over 150 years, in the month of September, more than 150,000 Aboriginal children were taken from their homes and sent to residential schools where they were denied their basic needs and human rights. National Day of Truth and Reconciliation or more commonly known as Orange Shirt Day, September 30th was designated as a date to create a safe space to talk about this dark event in our shared history, about the lingering impacts of intergenerational trauma and, to support the journey towards healing.

Because EVERY child matters and to ensure that no one goes through this again, we need to learn more and reflect on the residential school experience. For a future that takes responsibility for the wrongs of the past, we need to get the truth out.  For only when every Canadian recognizes and understands more about the crimes committed in residential schools can we move forward and begin to heal.

The Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara family unites with the entire country in honouring the many murdered and missing First Nations children, women and girls. We extends our deepest sympathies to all First Nations people affected by the deep scars left by historical trauma, assimilation and cultural genocide. We further commit ourselves, as a work unit and as individuals, to support survivors, their families, their communities, and to oppose all forms of racism, violence and intimidation.

There is still a long way to go to heal and it is our duty to never forget, in our journey to a better tomorrow, that we must listen to each other, believe in each other and be there for each other.

Let us work toward a future where EVERY child, regardless of culture, race or religion, has the right to equal opportunity and fair treatment.

Let us work toward a future where EVERY child knows they have a right to love, respect and dignity.

To commit to change and focus on hope, join us on September 30 by wearing orange to honor the children who never went home and are still waiting to speak their truth.

If you too are interested in contributing to reconciliation efforts, we invite you to learn more about the history and social contribution of First Nations people, and to learn about land recognition in your region.

Information:

France Vaillancourt, Executive Director

Phone. : (905) 734-1141 – www.cschn.ca

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Press release – Welland (Ontario), September 28^th 2022

We would like to acknowledge that the lands on which we are gathered are part of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabe traditional territory, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties, is part of the lands protected by the Wampum Belt Agreement called Dish With One Spoon, and is directly adjacent to the Haldimand Treaty Territory.

For over 150 years, in the month of September, more than 150,000 Aboriginal children were taken from their homes and sent to residential schools where they were denied their basic needs and human rights. National Day of Truth and Reconciliation or more commonly known as Orange Shirt Day, September 30th was designated as a date to create a safe space to talk about this dark event in our shared history, about the lingering impacts of intergenerational trauma and, to support the journey towards healing.

Because EVERY child matters and to ensure that no one goes through this again, we need to learn more and reflect on the residential school experience. For a future that takes responsibility for the wrongs of the past, we need to get the truth out.  For only when every Canadian recognizes and understands more about the crimes committed in residential schools can we move forward and begin to heal.

The Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara family unites with the entire country in honouring the many murdered and missing First Nations children, women and girls. We extends our deepest sympathies to all First Nations people affected by the deep scars left by historical trauma, assimilation and cultural genocide. We further commit ourselves, as a work unit and as individuals, to support survivors, their families, their communities, and to oppose all forms of racism, violence and intimidation.

There is still a long way to go to heal and it is our duty to never forget, in our journey to a better tomorrow, that we must listen to each other, believe in each other and be there for each other.

Let us work toward a future where EVERY child, regardless of culture, race or religion, has the right to equal opportunity and fair treatment.

Let us work toward a future where EVERY child knows they have a right to love, respect and dignity.

To commit to change and focus on hope, join us on September 30 by wearing orange to honor the children who never went home and are still waiting to speak their truth.

If you too are interested in contributing to reconciliation efforts, we invite you to learn more about the history and social contribution of First Nations people, and to learn about land recognition in your region.

Information:

France Vaillancourt, Executive Director

Phone. : (905) 734-1141 – www.cschn.ca

— 30 –

Press release – Welland (Ontario), June 21^st 2022

We would like to begin by acknowledging that the lands on which we are gathered are part of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe traditional territory. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties, is part of the lands protected by the Wampum Belt Agreement called Dish With One Spoon, and is directly adjacent to the Haldimand Treaty Territory.

Today, June 21, is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It is a time to celebrate the power of light and an opportunity for introspection.  In order to grow and evolve as an individual and as a Nation, it is our duty to reflect and determine how best to improve ourselves so that we do not repeat the actions of the past.

Many will proclaim that we must live in the present and prepare for the future. While this is wise, there are always lessons to be learned from reflecting on the past. Indeed, as the famous American philosopher and educator John Dewey said: We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.

Not coincidentally, since First Nations peoples have celebrated the summer solstice for generations, June 21 also marks the 26th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Reflecting on the past on this date is therefore most appropriate. Let us reflect consciously and deliberately on the devastating effects of colonialism that is, still today, an ongoing process.

The Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara family recognizes the devastating effects of collective and intergenerational trauma and invites you to contribute to the efforts towards reconciliation.

We would also like to pay tribute to the many First Nations children, women and girls who have been killed and are missing, and to express our deepest sympathies to residential school survivors, their families, communities and all First Nations people affected by a painful past and the trauma associated with history.

Throughout the day, you will find content on Canadian television and radio stations celebrating the rich heritage and legacy of Indigenous peoples. As we do, please tune in with your family to celebrate the cultural diversity and extraordinary achievements of these peoples, the Inuit and the Métis.

It is our duty to reflect individually in a deep and conscious way, but also, since it will have a greater power, collectively. We invite you once again to contribute to the efforts of reconciliation and to learn more about the history and social contribution of First Nations people.

Information:

France Vaillancourt, Executive Director

Phone. : (905) 734-1141 – www.cschn.ca

Press release – Welland (Ontario), June 21^st 2022

We would like to begin by acknowledging that the lands on which we are gathered are part of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe traditional territory. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties, is part of the lands protected by the Wampum Belt Agreement called Dish With One Spoon, and is directly adjacent to the Haldimand Treaty Territory.

Today, June 21, is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It is a time to celebrate the power of light and an opportunity for introspection.  In order to grow and evolve as an individual and as a Nation, it is our duty to reflect and determine how best to improve ourselves so that we do not repeat the actions of the past.

Many will proclaim that we must live in the present and prepare for the future. While this is wise, there are always lessons to be learned from reflecting on the past. Indeed, as the famous American philosopher and educator John Dewey said: We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.

Not coincidentally, since First Nations peoples have celebrated the summer solstice for generations, June 21 also marks the 26th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day. Reflecting on the past on this date is therefore most appropriate. Let us reflect consciously and deliberately on the devastating effects of colonialism that is, still today, an ongoing process.

The Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara family recognizes the devastating effects of collective and intergenerational trauma and invites you to contribute to the efforts towards reconciliation.

We would also like to pay tribute to the many First Nations children, women and girls who have been killed and are missing, and to express our deepest sympathies to residential school survivors, their families, communities and all First Nations people affected by a painful past and the trauma associated with history.

Throughout the day, you will find content on Canadian television and radio stations celebrating the rich heritage and legacy of Indigenous peoples. As we do, please tune in with your family to celebrate the cultural diversity and extraordinary achievements of these peoples, the Inuit and the Métis.

It is our duty to reflect individually in a deep and conscious way, but also, since it will have a greater power, collectively. We invite you once again to contribute to the efforts of reconciliation and to learn more about the history and social contribution of First Nations people.

Information:

France Vaillancourt, Executive Director

Phone. : (905) 734-1141 – www.cschn.ca

Press release – Welland (Ontario), June 1^st 2022

Finding your voice is about having the confidence to know you matter so you can use your voice. – Cammi Granato

An estimated 900 000 people living in Canada are members of the LGBTQ2s+ community and face significant challenges on a daily basis.

In fact, youth members of the LGBTQ2s+ community are more likely to be bullied, sexually harassed, physically abused, and face a greater risk of social isolation in the school environment. There is also a high risk of drug and alcohol abuse, depression, aggressive behavior, and suicide for this group.

Members of the LGBTQ2s+ community are also three times more likely to be victims of violence than heterosexuals. To make matters worse, this statistic does not represent reality. Victims, out of fear of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, and identity, do not always report to the police.

Furthermore, older members of the LGBTQ2s+ community, particularly men over 65, are twice as likely to live alone, thus increasing their risk of social isolation and, consequently, their risk of hypertension, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death.

We live in a country characterized by diversity and inclusion, but we still have work to accomplish. To do so, we all need to be braver. Brave enough to be compassionate, to pay attention and to engage in someone else’s suffering. It is much easier to ignore the pain and problems of other people, than to deal with them. So let’s be brave enough to make the world a better place and to give others a voice to feel worthy and to remind them that they are valuable and that they matter.

We want to say to the LGBTQ2s+ community: We are here to help and support you. We are here to help you find your voice. Know that you can be your true you with us; from the moment you first walk in or call us. You are always welcome and you deserve to feel safe to be who you really are.

June is Pride month and we are renewing our commitment to the LGBTQ2s+ community by raising the Franco Pride flag for the fourth year in Welland and the second year in Hamilton.

To make the world a better place we need to be brave enough to be compassionate. We need to give people a voice to make then feel worthy. We need to tell everyone that they have a purpose.

Because it’s impossible to find your voice if you don’t dare to be yourself, we are here with open arms and hearts, with courage and compassion, and because, after all, love is love.

Information:

France Vaillancourt, Executive Director

Phone. : (905) 734-1141

www.cschn.ca

Love must win

Press release – Welland (Ontario), May 16^th 2022

This world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort to be less horrible to one another. – Elliot Page

Tomorrow, May 17th, we will be marking International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

To show our commitment to the well-being of the LGBTQ2s+ community, members of the CSCHN family will proudly wear buttons, created by our colleagues at Fondation Émergence, as a symbol of solidarity.

We would like to recognize this important day by reiterating that we stand against hate, all forms of violence, oppression and systematic exclusion and that we are proud to declare that we are here for everyone.

Because there are 69 countries that have laws criminalizing homosexuality.

Because in Russia, members of the LGBTQ2s+ community have their lives cut short

Because in Florida, there is a state ban – which states that a marriage means only a legal union between a man and a woman as husband and wife.

And because even closer to home, in Niagara and Hamilton, there are young people who cannot be authentically themselves for fear of rejection by their loved ones.

We are here, without judgment, with open arms and hearts and because after all, love is love.

Information:

France Vaillancourt, Executive Director

Phone. : (905) 734-1141 – www.cschn.ca