In partnership with York University, the Canadian Red Cross developed the History of Harm Database Timeline, to increase the scope of access to information on the History of Harm data to both community members and outside stakeholders such as government employees or organizations involved in crisis interventions so they are better informed of the community that they are working with. Perhaps most importantly, expanding the accessibility of this information will also provide a space for Indigenous Peoples to explore their respective Stories, and revive a more vibrant connection to their People, Land, and Traditions. Self Determination often holds the strongest foundation when historical knowledge is revitalized.
With an understanding of the historical events and harms, it becomes possible to support the journey on the healing pathways for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. These actions form the basis of the community’s work in creating pathways of healing. They clarify considerations for the community as they journey to reconnect and repair. The pathways identify healing processes that may be constructive for recovery from the harms and disruptions of colonization. These pathways and the starting place need to be determined and led by the community and its members. Community members need to see and share a collective vision of a starting place for wellness in their community.
Furthermore, having the platform online will assist digitization efforts and boost the quality of interactions between Red Cross, other front line workers, and local communities. A shared understanding of regionally specific historical trauma will foster respectful and collaborative relationships as communities travel towards Pathways of Healing.
The Canadian Red Cross Society (CRC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.” In partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, Red Cross supports culturally appropriate programming in disaster prevention, response, recovery, education, and training to promote the community’s safety, health, and well-being. Red Cross has prioritized supporting Indigenous Peoples in creating culturally safe and relevant tools that promote processes in their own communities that address the Cycle of Violence rooted in colonization and promote the Circle of Wellness rooted in Indigenous traditions.
Red Cross will further this mission by developing and providing significant content on historical harm that demonstrates the layered aspects of the History of Harm and identifies how Cascading Traumas have impacted community healing. The system is intended to be used by anyone, it will be open to the public with specific private sections available to each community so they can better work together to understand, name and reclaim the past and begin the journey from the Cycle of Violence to the Circle of Wellness through their self-determined Pathway of Healing.