​

STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Norris Point, NL, September 30, 2021 - Atlantic Healthy Oceans Initiative’s (AHOI) Executive Director, Rebecca Brushett issues the following statement in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and in response to the ongoing tragic discoveries of Indigenous children buried at residential schools throughout Canada:

 

“On behalf of the board, staff, and entire Atlantic Healthy Oceans Initiative organization, I extend our most sincere condolences to those affected by residential schools and these horrific events. Today, we honour and remember the children who lost their lives, and those survivors who live with the lasting impacts of their experiences. Our organization condemns the actions and crimes committed towards Indigenous people and communities as little as 23 years ago, and those that continue today.

 

We promise to stand as an ally with Indigenous people and wear orange on this day, to raise awareness and remember those that were taken from their families and communities. In the same spirit, we have changed the colour of our online logos to orange for the duration of Truth and Reconciliation Week.

 

Our organization is committed to collaborating and partnering with other organizations, agencies, government, Indigenous Peoples and interested members of the public, in their efforts to protect the planet and take urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of present and future generations. We acknowledge the connection Indigenous people have with the ocean and coastal communities that our organization has committed to looking after in the Gros Morne Region. We wish to support and participate in reconciliation for Indigenous people and welcome their input and ideas on how this can be done in a respectful, appropriate way. Please contact ahoi.info@gmail.com  if you wish to connect with us regarding this endeavour.”

​

​

 

This content may be triggering for some. If you need support, please contact:

 

- The Hope for Wellness Help Line. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide counselling and crisis intervention to Indigenous peoples across Canada. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.

 

- The 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line in Newfoundland and Labrador at 1-888-737-4668.

 

- Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.

 

 

 

Media contact:

 

Tara Howse, Logistics and Communications Coordinator, AHOI

aho.info@gmail.com

(709) 899-2468

 

 

 

###