Equity in Action (EZ) Summer Edition 2021

August 2021 / août 2021 Nova Scotia Health / Santé Nouvelle-Écosse Eastern Zone Diversity & Inclusion “EQUITY IN ACTION” “Equité en Action” NEWSLETTER Bulletin A Message from our Chair Dear Colleagues, As chair of the Eastern Zone Diversity and Social Inclusion Committee, I invite everyone to read all that our third newsletter has to offer. We dedicate this issue to the memory of the Indigenous children whose remains were recovered from “institutions of assimilation and genocide” as stated by RoseAnne Archibald, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. As a committee, we encourage all staff of Nova Scotia Health to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and commit to take action. We provide an excellent example of a Mi’kmaw youth taking action into his own hands on page six. Landyn Toney greatly deserves our Honourable Mention! August 1st is the first ever Emancipation Day in Canada. On March 24th, 2021 the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate this day to mark the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Action came into effect across the British Empire. Every day it is important for us to learn and contribute to the fight against anti-Black racism and celebrate the strength and perseverance of Black Communities. Members of the Eastern Zone committee are committed to advocating for a more equitable and inclusive environment within Nova Scotia Health. If you want to get involved or have an idea for our committee please reach out to me by email at: [email protected] Have a great summer! In This Issue  A Message from our Chairperson ...……….... 1  Education & Helpful Links …………… 7  Living my Dream and Making a Difference … 2  Calendar ……………………………… 9  My Learning Journey as White Woman of  Committee Members .…………………. 9 Privilege ...…………………...……………… 4  Notable Mentions .……………………...…... 6

Volume 3 Equity in Action Newsletter / Equité en Action Bulletin Page 2 Living my Dream and Making a Difference By: Johnny Bernard My name is Johnny Bernard and I am from the Mi’kmaq community Eskasoni First Nation, located along the Bras d’Or Lake in the central part of Cape Breton. I am the second eldest of seven siblings. I have four brothers and two sisters. Both of my parents have peacefully moved onto the Spirit World, but we do have a dad (stepdad) still with us smiling and enjoying his life. Growing up in a Mi’kmaq community, I have always been involved with many positive activities such as participating as an alter server for our church from ages 7 to 18 and getting involved in sports such as baseball and floor hockey. I have always been social, friendly and respectable and those are the values that I have kept close to my heart. Although my siblings would often tease me as being a “Mr. Goody two shoes” or a “Mommy’s boy”, I have never let that get to me. As a matter of fact, that only boosted my confidence. Most times, it seemed like I was trying my best to make my parents proud of me but only to learn that I didn’t have to try at all. I had a beautiful relationship with my mom and she often called me her “favorite Christmas gift”, because I was born just before Christmas on December 22. My relationship with my dad was complicated, we used to argue a lot when I tried to voice my objections and at times we fought too, in my mid-teens, my mom sent me to live with my maternal Grammy. I was always picked on by some friends and mostly by my brothers because I was different. I was different in a way they never understood and I spent most of my life hiding the fact that I was gay/two-spirited. My parents at the time were homophobic and so were my siblings and some of my friends. I didn’t want to destroy the relationship, respect and trust they had for me, so I kept that truth hidden away until I couldn’t hide it anymore. Back in the day, homosexuality wasn’t as prevalent or normal as now and I was lead to believe it was frowned upon, but that all changed later on in my life. In the summer of 2008, I was 31, shortly after the death of my Grammy, my family and I were cleaning out her walk-in closet and at that moment, I spontaneously developed the courage to “come out the closet” and I literally did just that. I came out of the walk-in closet and just said straight out, “That’s it, and I’m finally coming out.” The reaction from my family who were present at the time was priceless. For the first time in my life I felt so comfortable and accepted because they all hugged me and praised me for my courage. My mom heard the next day and approached me with Continued on next page

Volume 3 Equity in Action Newsletter / Equité en Action Bulletin Page 3 open arms and asked why did I keep it from her all these times and my only reply to that was the fact of so much homophobic remarks that I have heard all my life, I just didn’t want to disappoint anyone. My mom and I cried together and she said that no matter what I choose to do or choose to be, there is absolutely no way that I was ever going to disappoint her and that lead her to be more open-minded and accepted the fact that I was her proud gay son and she took so much pride and respect in that. My Grammy was illiterate throughout her life. She only knew how to write her name and how to count money only by the colours of the currency for example: brown ones were $100.00 and the red ones were $50.00 and so on and she learned how to count coins. In my eyes, she was the smartest person I have ever known because she has taught me more than what I learned in school. Many countless hours we spent just talking only in our native language Mi’kmaq. She would teach me how to cook, bake and pray together. That led me to move on to learn more about our language, learn more prayers, and to conserve the language and teach my younger siblings. I graduated from Unama’ki High in 1998 and I was so proud that my Grammy was there with so much pride beaming from her eyes because she has encouraged me to continue my education, supported me along the way by preparing meals for me and making sure that I was doing my homework. In turn, I helped her with daily tasks such as reading her mail to her, helping her with paying bills and explaining so much stuff to her just so she would have a clear understanding of what was going on. I went on to further my education journey by attending university and then transferred to a community college. I was still trying to explore my career options until one day it just hit me, I wanted to work in health care. I started off by accepting the opportunity of caring for an elderly man and it just kind of snowballed from there. I moved away to study nursing, the LPN course, was close to being finished when I accepted a job with the Eskasoni Health Centre. I have been with them ever since working as the Mi’Kmaq Liaison. Do I regret not completing my course? No, as it gave me the wonderful opportunity to continue to care for my people in the health field with what I have learned from the course. Being fluent in my language, it was wonderful that I can provide an essential service for my People in the healthcare circle of care. Unfortunately, that lead me to juggle a lot of responsibilities such as being the primary caregiver for my late Grammy and then my late mom, my late dad, my sister and my step dad; while trying my best to be there for my patients in the hospital. With that in mind, I personally have spent most of my life juggling my roles as a primary caregiver for pretty much most of my family, helping my mom as a single parent to raise kids who are so awesome to this day. I am especially proud of them and working in healthcare at the same time to deliver my services as directed. Continued on page 8

Volume 3 Equity in Action Newsletter / Equité en Action Bulletin Page 4 My Learning Journey as White Woman of Privilege By: Celeste Gotell In recent years, through my own learning journey, I have become painfully aware of how the important history of Indigenous People and African Nova Scotians has been intentionally omitted and misrepresented for centuries. This omission has fueled misunderstandings, false assumptions and negative stereotypes and led to continued racism and anti-racist policies. This legacy of colonialism has shaped our histories and continues to allow for present day inequities to exist. While a student doing a Masters in Adult Education in the early 1990’s, I had the opportunity to take a course on Anti-Oppressive Social Work in Diverse Communities. During that time I became familiar with the term “white privilege” that Peggy McIntosh talked about in her essay “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”. McIntosh shared her experience as a white woman, her growing awareness of disparities between the races and systemic racism. I recall at the time really identifying with Peggy, as I began to examine my own white privilege on a deeper level. In recent years, I have made a personal commitment to participate in opportunities to increase my own knowledge and challenge my own beliefs and biases. The death of George Floyd last year came at a time when, as Nova Scotians, we were already dealing with the uncertainty of a global COVID 19 pandemic and reeling in shock and grief over the unspeakable tragedy of 22 lives taken in our beloved province. George’s murder at the hands of the police officer brought me to my knees. I found myself overcome with grief. The video of the event, which was viewed world-wide, heightened my own awareness of the injustice of racial inequality. My resolve was strengthened to learn more and make my voice heard as an Ally in this important work. When I learned that the Community Sector Council was offering a new series on the History and Legacy of Black Nova Scotians (https://www.csc-ns.ca/black-history-learning-journey/), I immediately signed up to participate. Over the four weeks of the program, we learned about slavery in Nova Scotia, the experience of the Black Loyalists and their relationship with the Mi’kmaq people, issues of segregation and Anti- Black policies. We were also provided with a brief account of issues relating to health, environmental racism and education. All sessions featured learned historians, academics, community activists and other professionals who shared the history of Black Nova Scotians. This program, and others like it, is an excellent first step for individuals to increase their own knowledge, but what is needed is system wide policy changes at all levels of Government, that requires commitment, courage, collaboration and accountability. I had the opportunity and pleasure to chat with Emma Beukema, the Director of Learning and Innovation at the CSCNS and I asked her what we can expect from the Community Sector Council in the future. This sums up what she shared. Tarana Burke, Activist and founder of the Me Too movement and co-author of the book “You Are the Best Thing” with Brene Brown said: Source: Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs Continued on next page

Volume 3 Equity in Action Newsletter / Equité en Action Bulletin Page 5 “ We need to live in an antiracist society and people need to learn to be antiracist and practice antiracism. But I do not believe in your antiracist work if you have not engaged with Black humanity. I don’t believe your antiracist work is complete or valid or useful if you haven’t engaged with Black humanity.” That quote has been the foundation of the first series of the Black History Learning and will continue to be for future series. “In the second series we will dig deeper into what has been the legacy of the African Nova Scotian experience. We continue to look and have conversation on what the impacts of systemic anti-Black racism are today on health, education, employment, and social services. Lastly, this Black History Learning Journey is also about spotlighting the humanity, history, and resilience of the ANS community in this province and beyond.” Emma Beukema To learn more, check CBC’s Mainstreet segments on July 6th, 7th, and 8th.  Unemployment rate for African Nova Scotians 15 years and older is 16.2%. The provincial average is 10%.  This is particularly concerning as 59% of African Nova Scotians are 34 years old and younger.  For every dollar ($) an average Nova Scotian worker earns an African Nova Scotian earns 76 cents. Source: Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs

Volume 3 Equity in Action Newsletter / Equité en Action Bulletin Page 6 Notable Mentions Heroes come in All Shapes and Sizes When 12 year old Landyn Toney set off for a 195.5- kilometre walk, to raise awareness about the trauma of residential schools, little did he know he would inspire people all over the province, and the country. Landyn’s Journey of Awareness Walk started in his home town in Valley, Nova Scotia, not far from the former Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. The discovery of the unmarked graves in Kamloops is what inspired Landyn. He arrived at the Annapolis Valley First Nation to a hero’s welcome. “ I just want to continue doing better each year, I want people to do better. it’s pretty simple. This is just who I am, I want to help change the world. ” Landyn Toney This section has been published with the permission of Landyn Toney, and his mother, Photo credit: George Wade Marsha McClellan. “Pjila’si Unama’kik” In recognition of Mi’kmaw people, their language, and the significant geographical location, motorists travelling across the Canso Causeway will now be welcomed by a new sign that reads “Pjila’si Unama’kik” which roughly translates to “Welcome to the Land of the Fog.” Meet Aaron Prosper Aaron Prosper is the Indigenous Health Consultant for Nova Scotia Health. This position will be key to leading and facilitating work across NSH to develop, improve and maintain culturally safe and appropriate services for Indigenous people, as well as support NSH as a culturally competent, diverse, and inclusive workplace. The position is a commitment to strengthen NSH’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and calls to action, and will play an active role of representation, engagement and liaison with First Nations communities and groups supporting Mi’kmaw and Indigenous health.

Volume 3 Equity in Action Newsletter / Equité en Action Bulletin Page 7 Education & Helpful Links  2S = 2 Spirited The Black Canadian Studies Association Two-spirit people are indigenous people The Association for Black Canadian Studies (BCSA) is a national university organization made up of who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, researchers, students, artists and members of the community who are committed to supporting and other gendered, or third/fourth gendered fostering the development of black studies in Canada. individuals. Their spirits walk carefully www.blackcanadianstudiesassociation.ca between the worlds and between the National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health genders. There is a fluidity of two-spirited Racialized health inequities are present for a wide range people that is revered in certain indigenous of health concerns. These inequities are rooted in structural racism and are a manifestation of Whiteness communities. Source: https://lgbtqhealth.ca and White supremacy in public policies and institutional practices. This session will turn the gaze on Whiteness as  It's believed that 85% of people with autism a systemic feature and driver of racial inequities. Lifting the veil on Whiteness challenges its “normalcy” in settler spectrum disorder (ASD) perceive colours colonial states like Canada. more intensely than neurotypical people, www.nccdh.ca/workshops-events/entry/webinar because the rods and cones in our eyes react -lets-talk-whiteness-and-health-equity different. Though the degree of this varies The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health from person to person. For some it is not so The Understanding Stigma online course was bad at all, while others become physically ill developed for healthcare professionals and other frontline clinicians; its purpose is to examine stigmatizing attitudes from overload at places like say, a grocery and behaviours through various instructional activities. store. www.camh.ca/en/education/continuing- Below is an article by a person who is very education-programs-and-courses/continuing- sensitive to colours and colour contrast: https://autistictic.com/2019/02/12/color- education-directory/understanding-stigma hypersensitivity/ Film: The Unforgotten  People with disabilities encounter a wide Exploring the health and well-being of Inuit, Métis and range of barriers when they attempt to First Nations peoples across five stages of life: birth, access healthcare; including appropriate childhood, adolescence, adulthood and elderhood. services to meet their needs, physical Featuring stories rich in visuals, poetry and music, the barriers and encountering health care staff film uncovers instances of systemic racism, the impacts that have inadequate skills and knowledge. of colonialism and the ongoing trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples in the Canadian health care system.  Les personnes handicapées rencontrent un www.theunforgotten.cma.ca/film/ large éventail d'obstacles lorsqu'elles tentent d'accéder aux soins de santé ; y compris des services appropriés pour répondre à leurs besoins, des barrières physiques et rencon- trer du personnel de santé qui a des compé- tences et des connaissances inadéquates. Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

Volume 3 Equity in Action Newsletter / Equité en Action Bulletin Page 8 Living my Dream and Making a Difference (Cont.) The very obstacles that I have overcome have led me to believe that I was on the chosen path to help and be there for my people. My favorite approach in my experience in health care is when a patient was trying to explain their symptoms to a doctor who spoke in a different dialect and accent and the patient didn’t understand each other. I stepped in and voiced my concern that there was a language barrier. I tried my best to understand the doctor and relay that specific information to the patient. The importance of my job is so essential for our Mi’Kmaq community. For the past 20 years I have worked in health care. I am the Mi’kmaq Liaison/Interpreter for Nova Scotia Health - Eastern Zone and serve all Mi’Kmaq communities of Cape Breton (Unama’ki). As far back as I could remember, even as a child growing up, I dreamt of working in a hospital and now I am living that dream. I do love being there for my people and try my best to help them out by offering my services such as advocating for them and translating English to Mi’kmaq or vise versa and also from medical terminology to a language that a patient will understand. My job also requires me to educate the medical staff about our Mi’kmaq culture in terms of our identity, our ways of life, customs, traditions and our beliefs. The majority of my patients are Residential School Survivors. This must be considered and acknowledged as it sometimes comes with nightmares of the unfortunate past they have endured. My job requires me to be resourceful and understanding as I am a Third Generation Residential School survivor. I have only come to realize that dark reality of life comes in ripples and with the recent findings and more understanding that has been discovered, it brings more meaning as to how did we even survive. This is only scratching the surface of our understanding because we must consider the effects of that trauma such as alcoholism, substance abuse, withdrawal, and the list goes on. These days, our Mi’kmaq people still face discrimination, racism, unfair treatment, stereotyping, bigotry, and unfair justice. I am left to wonder when is this ever going to end. My job in the hospital is demanding and essential and I wish that all the people who I currently work with respect and understand the very people who I currently work for. We must all work together and for the people. That should be the whole foundation of Health “Care”. With the very word “CARE”, that should branch out from the hearts of all health care workers and anyone involved in the circle of care for any individual. My favorite part about my job is the love, care, respect, and trust that I get from everyone regardless of ethnicity, colour, or any background. WE SHOULD ALL HAVE THE SAME RESPECT FOR EVERYONE!

Volume 3 Equity in Action Newsletter / Equité en Action Bulletin Page 9 Dates to Remember - August 2021* Date Holiday/Observance Link to Further Information 1 Emancipation Day http://emancipationdayns.ca/ 9 International Day of the World's https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day Indigenous Peoples https://www.un.org/en/observances/youth-day 12 International Youth Day https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bon_Festival 13-16 Obon Festival (Buddhism) 9 The beginning of the month of https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/muharram- Muharram (Islam) ** new-year 15 National Acadian Day https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian- heritage/campaigns/acadian-day.html https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/beliefs/a 15 The Assumption of Mary (Christianity) ssumption.shtml 19 The Day of Ashura (Islam) ** https://nationaltoday.com/ashurah/ 19 World Humanitarian Day https://www.un.org/en/observances/humanitarian-day 21 International Day of Remembrance and https://www.un.org/en/observances/terrorism-victims-day Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism 22 International Day Commemorating the https://www.un.org/en/observances/religious-based- Victims of Acts of Violence Based on violence-victims-day Religion or Belief 22 International Day for the Remembrance https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/slavetraderemembran of the Slave Trade and its Abolition ceday 30 International Day of the Victims of https://www.un.org/en/observances/victims-enforced- Enforced Disappearances disappearance 30 Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna_Janmashtami * Prepared and produced by the Eastern Zone Diversity & Inclusion Committee ** The actual dates depend on the sighting of the new moon, and may be one day before/after the stated date. Diversity & Inclusion Committee Members Newsletter Committee Aron Ashton Celeste Gotell Christine Villneff Aron Ashton Cyril MacDonald Danielle Murphy Debbie Glabay Celeste Gotell Karen MacKinnon Karla Chisholm Krista Smith Danielle Murphy Linda Parris Lisa McNeil-Campbell Karen MacKinnon Melanie NewellSansriti Saxena Lisa McNeil-Campbell Soroush Moghaddam Verna MacDonald Soroush Moghaddam