Veteran Advisors

I stand in solidarity, as an ally, with Indigenous peoples across this country and  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 in 2021, and with thousands more unmarked graves across the country. More than 150,000 children were forced to attend residential schools from the 1930s to 1997 in Canada. The horrific legacy of residential schools is ongoing. 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, I am committed to offering space to Indigenous communities and to listen to what support needs to be, and to make a personal commitment to further educating myself and turning this knowledge, and that I already hold, into action. That is, action that can help to dismantle our colonial present and acknowledge our shared histories, including the atrocities of residential schools, the sixties scoop, and our current child welfare system 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)