HI Bonnie,
Thanks so much for joining us here and for initiating a discussion about how we can use ACEs to improve the conditions for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This has been one of my long standing visions. I believe ACEs are the data that can finally contextualize the continued maltreatment of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in the light we have yet obtusely seemed to miss as a society.
We have a few members in our Canadian ACEs and Trauma Informed Network who identify as Indigenous and are also working to improve conditions in the lives of the people in their communities.
As you would know there are also many people across Canada working on this goal.
However you are right, ACEs is not yet talked about openly or directly - not just regarding Indigenous peoples but for the most part in the rest of Canada as well.
Most of us still operate in silos, focusing on specific target areas for improvement - poverty reduction, domestic violence prevention and support, corrections and justice system reform, homelessness, mental health, child protection etc.
That's why I talk ACEs. I see ACEs as being the umbrella which includes all the areas in our society where we fall down in ensuring that each member has their fundamental needs met.
I'm thankful to hear you also see the importance and relevance of focusing our social transformation conversations around ACEs.
If you're on Twitter, you should follow me @ACEsCanada2020 I can connect you there with many people working towards your goal.
In the meantime, please feel free to post anything relevant you create or come across that helps us all understand better how Indigenous Peoples are impacted by the persistent social ills they are subjected to and ways we can change collectively for the better.
It's great to have you with us.
Elizabeth Perry