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We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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University hosting series of events to mark 2016 Mental Health Week in Canada

May 2, 2016

photo of apple - mental health awareness week - mindsight certified

As part of its commitment to ensuring a healthy and safe work environment, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) Healthy Workplace Committee is supporting the Canadian Mental Health Association 65th Annual Mental Health Week from Monday, May 2 to Friday, May 6.

The university will host a series of workshops and events throughout the week featuring compelling internal and external speakers, including the Faculty of Education’s Dr. Jennifer Laffier who will address issues surrounding mental health first aid in the workplace.

Other topics include:

  • Boosting your positive outlook
  • Coping skills for a healthy and fulfilling life
  • Mindfulness
  • Reducing parental stress while raising resilient children

The university is also taking the week to encourage faculty and staff, as well as the public, to become Mindsight-certified. Mindsight is a free online educational resource created by Dr. Wendy Stanyon of UOIT’s Faculty of Health Sciences that promotes a better understanding of mental health and helps reduce the stigma of mental illness.

Following the keynote address on Friday, May 6 by Dr. Bill Howatt, Chief Research and Development Officer for Workforce Productivity, Morneau Shepell, the week will culminate with the Connecting with Colleagues BBQ. Proceeds will support the Campus Food Centre. 

Quotes:

“Mental health first aid shares many of the same aims as traditional first aid – to preserve life and prevent a problem from becoming more serious. Understanding how to support someone experiencing a mental health problem is an important skill for people in any organizational environment.”
 -Dr. Jennifer Laffier, UOIT Faculty of Education

“These events are all about the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s commitment to raising awareness and working together to support our campus family and individuals in our communities who are living with mental health challenges.”
-Dr. Wendy Stanyon, UOIT Faculty of Health Sciences

To schedule an interview with Dr. Jennifer Laffier or Dr. Wendy Stanyon, please contact:
 Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668 ext. 6709
289.928.3653 (cell)
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca

Media contact

Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University

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