Indigenous

College Office Closure for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) will be closed on Monday, September 30th in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as an important opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the country’s history, honour the children lost to the residential “school” system and recognize the strength and resilience of survivors, their families and their communities. As part of our commitment…

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Updates to the College’s Land Acknowledgement

Over the past several years, the College has engaged with AndHumanity, an inclusive marketing agency, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance inclusion across communications resources and materials. AndHumanity specializes in justice, equity and diversity with an inclusionary lens and aims to help organizations create inclusive consumer experiences. As part of this work, one of the actionable priorities identified was a commitment to review and update the College’s land acknowledgement. This initiative aimed to avoid…

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Invitation to Share your Feedback: Land Acknowledgement Survey

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is in the process of reviewing and revising our land acknowledgement, in collaboration with members of the AndHumanity team (an external inclusive communications agency) and is inviting feedback on the current draft. The College recognizes that we have a responsibility and role in truth and reconciliation. We are committed in making our communications more inclusive as well as building intentional partnerships with Indigenous…

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College Statement on the 751 Unmarked Graves Discovered in Cowessess First Nation

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is deeply saddened by the discovery of 751 unmarked graves on the grounds of the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan. This discovery serves as further evidence of Canada’s long history of violence against Indigenous peoples. We mourn with the communities who have lost loved ones and continue to experience pain as a result of Canada’s shameful residential…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Honouring 215 Indigenous Children and Reflecting Upon the College’s Role as Regulator

With the horrific news about the remains of 215 Indigenous children being found at a former residential school on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation in Kamloops, British Columbia, all Canadians must face further heartbreaking evidence of the profound harm and ongoing impact of colonization and systemic racism in our country; the College and its members must also recognize the shameful role that the social work and social service work professions have played in perpetuating this…

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