On March 21, a day after spring equinox, the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine unveiled the Space of Truth and Reconciliation in Corbett Hall.
The space supports the faculty’s commitment to meaningful relationships with Indigenous partners and communities. It was created in close collaboration with faculty, staff, students and Indigenous community members, and its design reflects the voices and input of Indigenous students and staff from rehabilitation medicine, as well as consultation with Florence Glanfield, vice-provost of Indigenous programming and research.
Glanfield believes this space will contribute to a greater recognition of the value of Indigenous healing practices.
“This is a huge step for the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action that address respecting the diversity of Indigenous humans and knowledges in health care,” and “implementing strategies outlined in Braiding Past, Present & Future: The University’s Indigenous Strategic Plan,” says Glanfield.
The focal point of the space is a mural combining syllabics with images of animals, trees, flowers and medicines living with the land on which the University of Alberta’s campuses are located. The mural, brought to life by the creative team at pipikwan pêhtâkwan, honours Mother Earth and all, humans and more than humans, who live here.
Carrie Smith, vice-provost of access, community and belonging, believes the mural’s theme is a reminder for those who view it to continue to engage in learning about the land, continue to develop and maintain good relationships and support treaty rights.
“It’s so important for educational institutions in particular to embrace many different ways of ensuring that everyone has a sense of belonging and in a way that acknowledges our interconnectedness,” says Smith.
The concept for the space originally began in 2017 when a temporary space featuring displays honouring Indigenous awareness was created by the faculty’s Department of Occupational Therapy Indigenous Focus program and its students. In 2022, the vision of a permanent space in Corbett Hall began to take shape.
Today, in addition to the mural, the space offers flexible seating and an interactive touch display providing historical information and rotating Indigenous art, making it a welcoming space for those who wish to learn about Indigenous histories in Canada and reflect.
For Tammy Hopper, former dean of the faculty, the unveiling showcased the positive energy, creativity and collaboration that was foundational to the creation of the space.
“This has truly been a day for gathering in truth and working together in small but significant ways to meet the needs and interests of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and organizations we work with,” says Hopper.
Esther Kim, interim dean of the faculty, notes that The Space of Truth and Reconciliation is one of a number of ways the faculty is demonstrating its commitment to building good relationships with Indigenous communities.
The faculty has signed an agreement with Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta to offer pathways for First Nations high school students to rehabilitation professional programs. This partnership also led to rehabilitation medicine student placements in Tallcree First Nation. Additionally, the faculty benefits from the guidance of Knowledge Keeper Ralph Makokis and is working with Tashina Makokis, an Indigenous curriculum consultant, to Indigenize the curriculum. They have hired Hayley Laughlin, an Indigenous liaison, to focus on meeting the needs of Indigenous students and are consulting with Nella Sajlovic, principal owner at Karhiio Consulting, on supporting Indigenous initiatives further.
Kim hopes people will visit the space as part of their own learning journey. “It's a welcoming space for anyone to come and enjoy the art, learn and reflect on how we can individually and collectively respond to the TRC Calls to Action.”
The Space of Truth and Reconciliation is located in Corbett Hall 2-57, second-floor alcove.