Anna Englehart
Dear Laura, is a spoken letter to Gitxan Social Work Educator Laura Hockman. Recently, I had the privilege of spending time with Laura, and we had a conversation discussing Indigenous-specific systemic discrimination in health care. We discussed Turpel-Lafond’s (2020) In Plain Sight report and she shared many personal stories of systemic discrimination in health care settings. Laura shared a beautiful perspective of looking at the health care system in a different way which is illustrated in the letter. This letter was written to thank Laura, to share my learning and describe how the conversation has impacted me. In my conversation with Laura, I ask what she wants me and other social work students to know when working with Indigenous People moving into our social work careers. Laura shares her insights and hopes for future social work students. I have shared this letter with Laura, and she has given me permission to share her stories. My hope that highlighting Laura’s voice, truth-telling, and stories, will strengthen everyone’s responsibility and accountability to reconciliation around Indigenous-specific systemic discrimination in health care.
Blessings,
