Health, Community and Education's Commitment to Action on Systemic Racism

Recent events have called to attention the impact of oppression, injustice and inequities on Black communities.

The Faculty of Health, Community and Education’s (HCE) strategic plan 2019–24 is based on Ani to pisi — the spider web (Blackfoot). One of our goals is promoting a healthy community with an intention to support diversity and inclusion of all people, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQIA+ communities and all those suffering at the hands of systemic racism. 

As leaders of HCE, we acknowledge that we have not done enough and we are committed to working with the HCE community to do more. We turned to our Espoom Tah Elder Roy Bear Chief to share his wisdom and perspective on what’s happening and our role in creating a world that respects all.

I am the Espoom tah for the Faculty of Health, Community and Education. I would like to include my thoughts on Black Lives Matter through my Blackfoot worldview and lenses.

According to the Blackfoot creation story of Ani to pisi which is the “spider web”, vibrations within the web indicates that there is a problem and we must attend to the vibration as it is our duty to go and help. A major vibration has occurred and it has brought global attention to the vibration. People have responded in droves. But after the dust settles, how do we sustain the momentum and harness the energy generated from all this response? How do we go from misunderstood to understood to understand and continue to push forward in addressing racism as well as colonialism. One is embedded in the other. A major global challenge that should have been undertaken years and years ago. Never too late. If we look at each other as being one and leaving out the colour of our skins will certainly lead to the belief that we are all related even with the plants, animals, and our environment as a whole.

Leroy Little Bear’s words sums it up best:

If everything is animate.
Then everything has spirit and knowledge.
If everything has spirit and knowledge.
Then all are like me.
If all are like me.
Then all are my relations.

Iika nai kso ko watsi yopa, in other words, “we are all related”. Let us not forget that. Thank you and God bless.

Espoom Tah Elder Roy Bear Chief

Health, Community and Education

To meet the increasing demand for workers in health care, community development and social services, Mount Royal University's Faculty of Health, Community and Education offers a variety of innovative programs that prepare you for challenging and rewarding work in a rapidly growing sector.

Join others in contributing to healthy, supportive communities and making a difference — A paat tsi kani takiiks (those that create sparks).

To learn more about the Faculty of Health, Community and Education, refer to our 2024 strategic plan, Ani to pisi (spiderweb).

Make a difference

Get ready for a rewarding career with programs that feature practical work experience and faculty members who are active leaders in their fields and in the local community.

• Help society's youngest members meet their fullest potential in Child Studies which includes a major in either child and youth care counsellor, or early learning and child care.

• Gain an extensive understanding of both the theory and practice of elementary teaching with Education.

• Jump start your career in Health and Physical Education with a major in athletic therapy, ecotourism and outdoor leadership, physical literacy, or sport and recreation management.

• Midwifery teaches care for families during pregnancy, childbirth and in the first six weeks of their babies' lives.

• Promote the health and wellness of people and communities with Nursing.

• Prepare for exceptional Social Work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities.