By Janelle Minoza
The spoken letter and slideshow I created allowed me to reflect on what I had read in the In Plain Sight report addressing Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in health and social services. I have also included Jordan’s Principle, a child-first principle that aims to eliminate service inequities and delays for First Nations children. Jordan’s Principle states that any public service ordinarily available to all children must also be made available to First Nations children without delay or denial. This project was the most important piece I made as a social work student, mother and social service worker.
Typing this letter and creating a slideshow allowed me to use my voice to effect change. After completing the letter, I suddenly felt the weight lifting off my shoulders because I am living the experience described in Jordan’s Principle, and the process has not been easy. The purpose of my letter is to share my story. Sharing stories is a way for Indigenous people to express and open their minds and hearts. Most importantly, it helps create justice for Indigenous children.
The photos, the video and the music in my spoken letter bring my project together at a personal level. The music in the background is “Prayer,” a song by my community’s Dene Drummers. I used this song because our Indigenous children with medical conditions need prayers for their well-being and healing. The person flying the drone was my fiance. I wanted to show the audience where I come from, and I wanted my son to be a part of this because he is the main reason I chose this topic.
I hope you all enjoyed listening to and watching my spoken letter video. It was a pleasure to be part of a creative project that could change the perspectives of many who are unaware of the untold stories of children who matter.
For this project, I communicated with several parents in the community who are also in the process of Jordan’s Principle and with families who could use the funding to receive services for their children. I also connected with my team in the Health and Social Services department (including a Knowledge Keeper) here in Fort Providence. I have included some of their thoughts and perspectives on my topic, which I used for guidance as I wrote my recommendations.
