EHM supports a diverse community of individuals and families from across Toronto/Tkaronto, and around the globe, representing a beautiful mosaic of cultures and histories. We are working hard to learn about Canada’s history, to understand how it shapes the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour in Canada, and what role we play in helping to dismantle systems of oppression.
In 2021, we began a project to support Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. It began with learning about Canada’s history of residential schools, and understanding how generational trauma, racism, and oppression created conditions that have led to homelessness, addictions, and mental health concerns among Indigenous Peoples. More importantly, with the help of an Indigenous Consultant, we are learning how to be advocates and allies, and how to create services and programming that are safe, inclusive, and impactful on Indigenous clients and tenants.
By expanding our partnerships with Indigenous-led agencies, creating spaces and services that honour and celebrate Indigenous culture and spirituality, and by listening to voices of the Indigenous clients that use the Drop-In and who live at EHM, we are contributing to the movement toward truth, healing and reconciliation. We are also working to recognize what racism and systemic oppression looks like for clients of EHM, and how we can advocate on behalf of individuals, and work to make meaningful change.
We’re looking forward to building on this work in the coming years, expanding our partnerships, knowledge, and practices to be more inclusive of the many Black, Indigenous and People of Colour who rely on EHM’s services.