For the past few years, Nadine McRee has been part of the AHS team working to create the Indigenous Support Line, which launched in the North Zone earlier this year as a way to help Indigenous Peoples better navigate the health system. “Now it’s all about getting the word out and working on expanding it to the rest of the province,” says McRee, an Indigenous Wellness Core Director. “The other main focus of my work is addressing Indigenous racism within our health system. It’s a complex and never-ending task, but it also leads me to my favourite area, where I am able to provide leadership in the planning for the National Indigenous Peoples Month Celebrations and National Day of Truth and Reconciliation,” she says. “As a proud First Nation Esquao (the Cree word for woman), I’m starting to see the lifelong journey of reconciliation begin. Until our Indigenous Peoples achieve full equity, until our future generations are no longer impacted by past and present colonial system barriers and until true Indigenous self-determination occurs, we need to continue working towards reconciliation.” The Indigenous Support Line is available in AHS North Zone and can be reached by calling 1-844-944-4744. The support line is staffed by Indigenous Health Link staff and available weekdays from noon to 8 pm. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place Friday Sept. 30. Wearing an orange shirt symbolizes the harm done to residential school students and their families and shows a commitment to the principle that #EveryChildMatters.