Today is “Orange Shirt Day” and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Today and everyday, we at BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) are encouraging our community of staff, volunteers, members, and families to reflect upon the impacts of residential schools and colonization on the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

Schizophrenia affects 1 in 100 people worldwide. It does not discriminate against race, gender, education, or social class. It is not caused by trauma or poor parenting. It is a result of physical and biochemical changes in the brain. And the impacts of colonization on Indigenous people within Canada also touches many of the families with whom we work.

For nearly 40 years, BCSS has been supporting, helping, and advocating for Indigenous families to help them access the information and resources needed to care for their loved ones who live with serious mental illness. Today, BCSS remains committed to addressing inequalities within the system. Our staff and volunteers remain committed to advocating for and helping families get the resources and information they need, when they need it.

So as we take the day to reflect upon and work towards increasing our understanding of how residential schools and the colonization of Indigenous peoples has impacted families, we share with you some of the resources we will be reviewing for our own journeys for truth and reconciliation.

Online Resources and Toolkits

Books

Videos

Support