Health, Community & Education

Health, Community and Education's Commitment to Action on Racism

The Faculty of Health, Community and Education’s (HCE) strategic plan for 2019–24 is based on the Blackfoot story of Ani to pisi — the spiderweb. One of our goals is to promote a healthy community intending to support diversity and inclusion of all people, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and all those suffering at the hands of racism and discrimination. 

As leaders of HCE, we acknowledge that we need to do more and are committed to working with the HCE community to do more. We turned to our Espoom Taah Elder Roy Bear Chief to share his wisdom and perspective on what’s happening and our role in creating a world that respects all. 

 

I am the Espoom taah for the Faculty of Health, Community and Education. I would like to include my thoughts on anti-racism through my Blackfoot worldview and lenses.

According to the Blackfoot creation story of Ani to pisi, which is the spiderweb, vibrations within the web indicate a problem, and we must attend to the vibration as we must go and help. When a major vibration occurs, it brings global attention to the vibration. People have responded in droves. But after the dust settles, how do we sustain the momentum and harness the energy generated from all this response? How do we go from misunderstood to understood to understand and continue to push forward in addressing racism as well as colonialism? One is embedded in the other. This is a major global challenge that should have been undertaken years ago. Never too late. If we look at each other as one and leave out the colour of our skin, it will certainly lead to the belief that we are all related, even to the plants, animals, and our environment.

Leroy Little Bear’s words sums it up best:

If everything is animate.
Then everything has spirit and knowledge.
If everything has spirit and knowledge.
Then all are like me.
If all are like me.
Then all are my relations.

Iika nai kso ko watsi yopa, in other words, “we are all related.” Let us not forget that.

Thank you, and God bless.

Espoom Tah Elder Roy Bear Chief

 

Our commitment

As a Faculty whose work is deeply rooted in making connections across all sectors and populations, we inspire students to seek the truth and honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Additionally, we include the Scarborough Charter to guide us on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in post-secondary education.

There is much work to be done by our Faculty to create a system where we can all thrive. We are having discussions on what this will look like. 

When we drafted HCE’s strategic plan, we worked closely with Indigenous and racialized employees. Thanks to our Espoom Taah (Blackfoot for helper) Elder Roy Bear Chief, we were gifted the Blackfoot story of Ani to pisi, told by Roy’s brother Clement.

Ani to pisi speaks to the spider web and the idea that when there is a vibration in our Faculty, we come together as a community — whether to celebrate, heal or help. 

As we continue to examine our work and dialogue about equity, diversity and inclusion, we connect to actions aligning with our strategic plan.

This is something we can only do in collaboration. We recognize the need to engage with students, employees and, most importantly, the community.

We need to listen and better understand what supports are necessary for our students to have an equitable learning experience, how we understand and address our biases on faculty and staff hiring committees, how we can promote and support research, where we can make spaces for all voices; and how can we support communities flourishing.

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Health, Community and Education

To meet the increasing demand for workers in health care, community development and social services, Mount Royal University's Faculty of Health, Community and Education offers a variety of innovative programs that prepare you for challenging and rewarding work in a rapidly growing sector.

Join others in contributing to healthy, supportive communities and making a difference — A paat tsi kani takiiks (those that create sparks).

To learn more about the Faculty of Health, Community and Education, refer to our 2024 strategic plan, Ani to pisi (spiderweb).

Make a difference

Get ready for a rewarding career with programs that feature practical work experience and faculty members who are active leaders in their fields and in the local community.

• Help society's youngest members meet their fullest potential in Child Studies which includes a major in either child and youth care counsellor, or early learning and child care.

• Gain an extensive understanding of both the theory and practice of elementary teaching with Education.

• Jump start your career in Health and Physical Education with a major in athletic therapy, ecotourism and outdoor leadership, physical literacy, or sport and recreation management.

• Midwifery teaches care for families during pregnancy, childbirth and in the first six weeks of their babies' lives.

• Promote the health and wellness of people and communities with Nursing.

• Prepare for exceptional Social Work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities.