Veteran Advisors

I stand in solidarity, as an ally, with Indigenous peoples across this country to express my repulsion, grief and sadness at the discovery of 215 Indigenous children in a mass grave at the site of the former Kamloops Residential School and unmarked graves elsewhere. As of September 2022, this number has increased to over 10,000 Indigenous children.  I ask you to join me in turning our collective emotions into committed action. One way I attempt to support my Indigenous and non-Indigenous colleagues is by educating myself, and when appropriate, others. We are very fortunate and gifted in the One Health and Wellness office, at the University of Saskatchewan, to have many of our projects involve the guidance and support of Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and colleagues. To offer our support back at this time, I am committed to offering space to Indigenous communities and to listen to what support needs to be right now, and to make a personal commitment to further educating myself and turning this knowledge, and that I already hold, into action that can help to dismantle our colonial present and acknowledge our shared histories, including the atrocities of residential schools in Canada. We must do better. Please have an educated conversation. With all my heart, Colleen Anne Dell (Project Lead, Centennial Enhancement Chair in One Health & Wellness, Buffalo Circle Member)