OCSA Statement - National Indigenous Peoples Day 2023

Today, OCSA acknowledges National Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous History Month – an important time to recognize the extraordinary histories and cultures of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have called Canada home for many centuries.

June 21st was first named National Aboriginal Day in 1996 by then Governor General of Canada, Roméo LeBlanc. This date was selected in part due to the significance of summer solstice in Indigenous culture, and was renamed National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2018 to align with government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation.

As one of Ontario’s preeminent healthcare advocacy organizations, OCSA is greatly concerned with the inequitable health disparities experienced by Indigenous Canadians, due in part to increased rates of poverty and food insecurity, as well as a lack of employment opportunities and suitable housing1. More needs to be done to ensure that Indigenous Canadians have equitable access to quality healthcare services, and that those services are developed and delivered in consultation with Indigenous communities to ensure that they are in sync with cultural values.

“Today, we recognize the incredible work of our Indigenous health and community care members and partners, and thank them for providing such critical community health supports to some of Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens,” says Deborah Simon, OCSA CEO. “Delivering community healthcare is challenging in the best of times, never mind in a time when we have a rapidly aging population, profound staffing and funding challenges, and institutional racism to contend with. I hope that Indigenous health and community care organizations will consider OCSA an ally and invite them to reach out to us should we be able to support their advocacy efforts for improved HCC funding and services for their communities.”

To expand your knowledge about National Indigenous Peoples Day and about the history, heritage, and resilience of Indigenous cultures across Canada, please visit these links:

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (PDF) - https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. (English only) https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html

Indigenous Perspectives Education Guide (Historica Canada) - http://education.historicacanada.ca/en/tools/493

About OCSA

Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 230 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services that help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These compassionate and cost-effective services improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. They are the key to a sustainable health care system for Ontario.

For more information, visit www.ocsa.on.ca and https://twitter.com/OCSAtweets.

For information requests please contact:
Rhiana Alfadili – Communications Manager
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 ext. 219
rhiana.alfadili@ocsa.on.ca

More Updates

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By Karla Sealy • April 30, 2025

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OCSA Joins Communities Across Ontario to Celebrate March For Meals 2025

By Karla Sealy • March 1, 2025

ONTARIO, March 1, 2025 - This March, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is proud to stand with communities across Ontario in support of March for Meals, an annual campaign highlighting the essential role of Meals on Wheels programs. Delivered in 181 communities across the province, these programs provide nutritious meals, social connection, and safety checks for vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. Meals on Wheels Ontario, with the support of belairdirect, encourages Ontarians to show their support for March for Meals and the local Meals on Wheels programs that serve their communities. Together, these programs deliver over 3 million meals annually and provide vital assistance to nearly 70,000 Ontarians. As the demand for nutritious and affordable meals grows, so too do the challenges faced by local programs—including underfunding and volunteer shortages. Now more than ever, community support is essential to ensuring these programs continue to provide a lifeline to those who need it most. “Meals on Wheels programs are a cornerstone of home and community care in Ontario, ensuring that seniors and adults with disabilities have access to healthy meals, social connection, and safety checks,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of OCSA. “However, these programs face growing demand and funding challenges. March for Meals is an opportunity for all Ontarians to rally around these essential services and support their sustainability so that no one is left behind.” During the month of March, community-based Meals on Wheels programs across the province will host special events, engage local officials, and encourage community participation to raise awareness and support for these critical services. OCSA invites Ontarians to learn more about the impact of Meals on Wheels and explore ways to get involved. For more information on March for Meals and how you can support your local Meals on Wheels program, visit Meals on Wheels Ontario . About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) champions a strong, sustainable home and community care sector in Ontario. The association represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations that deliver high-quality services that help seniors, people with disabilities, and those with complex care needs remain independent in their homes and communities. These proactive and cost-effective services prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. For more information visit www.ocsa.on.ca or @OCSATweets For media inquiries please contact: Karla Sealy (she/her) Manager of Communications 416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242 karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca