National Indigenous Peoples Day Message From Acting Executive Director Idriss Lomba  In this month’s newsletter, we are honoured to feature a heartfelt message from our Acting Executive Director Idriss Lomba, who shares his personal reflections on what National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) means to him. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a significant occasion for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals to honour and commemorate. As a non-Indigenous male, I allocated time on this day to reflect on my personal reconciliation commitments and contemplate additional ways to celebrate the vibrant culture, heritage, and resilience of Indigenous peoples in Canada. I also recognize the importance of dedicating time to educate myself about the historical and contemporary injustices faced by Indigenous communities in our country. To deepen my understanding of the historical and contemporary injustices faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, I utilized platforms such as the Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. which provided comprehensive insights into Indigenous history, treaties, and cultural protocols. I also consulted the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's website for authoritative information on residential schools and their impacts. For deeper scholarly understanding, I read books like "Clearing the Plains: Disease, Politics of Starvation, and the Loss of Aboriginal Life" by James Daschuk, which critically examines the devastating effects of government policies on Indigenous populations. I also read the celebrated Thomas King novel, "The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America" which offered a thought-provoking exploration of Indigenous identity and colonialism's enduring legacy. Engaging with these resources not only broadened my knowledge but also deepened my empathy and commitment to supporting Indigenous rights and reconciliation efforts in Canada. On NIPD this year, I made sure to dedicate time to reflect on the many life events that have shaped my journey in joining AHF. Having been born and raised in a country still dealing with the legacies of colonialism, I deeply empathize with and understand the profound impacts of these atrocities on communities, families, and individuals over generations. My lived experience has underscored the critical need for culturally informed healthcare as the foundational step toward building resilient and empowered communities. If you haven't already, please consider donating in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, culturally appropriate healthcare is indispensable to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples. Idriss Lomba, Acting Executive Director If you’re interested in nominating a community member to be spotlighted in an upcoming series titled “Community Corner: Highlighting Our Local Heroes” please send their story to Brooke Harrison at bharrison@aht.ca | 
