Like many professionals at Ranch Ehrlo Society, our pathway through truth and reconciliation work involves many modalities and methods of understanding. We view it as our responsibility to hold ourselves accountable as professionals.
Several guiding principles are at the forefront of our work at the Clinical Assessment and Resource Services (CARS) and include cultural allyship, humility, collaboration, critical reflection, respect, and social justice.
The CARS team of registered psychologists provides assessment, consultation and training, and mentoring services to Ranch Ehrlo’s group living, supported living, and educational programs.
Opportunities to uphold these principles have been woven into our everyday work and learning opportunities including participating in Indigenous ceremony, collaborating with community agencies, learning via literature reviews or information the Ranch Ehrlo truth and reconciliation committee shares, dialogue, and engaging in storytelling experiences.
Recently a tremendous opportunity took place. The CARS team viewed the documentary, Picking up the Pieces, the Making of the Witness Blanket, and the following day had an opportunity to view the Witness Blanket which was on display at a community museum in Regina.
One team member and registered psychologist, Alanna O’Quinn remarked “It was a very powerful and immersive experience for people who didn’t have direct experience with residential schools or the resulting generational trauma”.
For those who have not had a chance to watch this documentary, or who have viewed it when the Witness Blanket was created several years ago but would like to rewatch it, our team highly recommends watching the documentary, visiting the website, or viewing the art exhibit.
The Witness Blanket stands as a national monument to recognize the atrocities of the Indian residential school era, honour the children, and symbolize ongoing reconciliation. More information can be found here: https://humanrights.ca/story/picking-pieces-making-witness-blanket
