National Indigenous Peoples Day

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A post shared by Halle Demchuk, MSc(A), SLP (@haepislp)

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, a day where we recognize and share in honouring the heritage, contributions, resilience, history, and diversity of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples.

This day is especially meaningful to me as a Metis clinician who also works for a First Nations Tribal Council. I continue to learn so much from my clients, co-workers, and the communities to which I have the privilege of traveling. Each community is unique in its culture and practices, and it is on us to show respect by learning from and listening to community members.

My SLP class was once asked in grad school, "do you know which reservation/Treaty area is located closest to where you are from?"

For me, that was (and still is!) Fort William First Nation.

This is such a simple question that we should all be able to answer, Indigenous or not. I hope that when future classes are asked this question, they will not only be able to answer -- but also be able to elaborate and share stories and details (maybe things like landmarks, foods, cultural preferences, etc.) about the Indigenous peoples and communities nearest to them.

by Halle Demchuk, SLP

Paediatric SLP | GLP-Trained Clinician | Owner of HAEPI SLP