A National Indigenous Peoples Day message from Dr. Willow Thickson

Tansi, Boozhoo, Weqt,

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, I would like to acknowledge Indigenous physicians - this is a day of recognition, of reflection, and respect. It is a time of growth, change and movement. It marks the end of one season and the beginning of another.

As I reflect on changing seasons within the systems that we work and within the worlds we live, that it wasn’t long ago there were only a few Indigenous physicians attempting to represent all of us while battling systemic racism and healing generational traumas from the injustices of the past. Now, there are Indigenous physicians graduating in record numbers across the country and Indigenous physicians that have or currently hold leadership positions within many of our organizations. This is deserving of celebration and acknowledgement.

As we learn, grow, heal and carve new paths for those that come next, we must also remember our communities, families and ancestors that we come from. Chief Poundmaker once said, “We all know the story about the man who sat by the trail too long, and then it grew over, and he could never find his way again. We can never forget what has happened, but we cannot go back. Nor can we just sit by the trail.”

Whether you are reconnecting, seeing in two worlds, or carving the path forward – we are all taking care of the trail, and I am grateful for you.

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!

Dr. Willow Thickson

BCCFP Indigenous Physician Lead