"My name is Anne Seymour. I'm a proud registered member of Wiikwemikoong Unceded Territory. I'm also a new board member since May of 2026 for the Ontario Association of Social Workers. I'm very happy and honoured to say a few words in observance of Indigenous History Month.
What I'd like to do is think about this as a story, or as a journey, in regard to my role with the board. It's important to recognize that when we think about the past, and when we think about Indigenous peoples' experience with the profession of social work, we know the incredible pain, the harm, and the trauma that has been experienced. But what's more important is that we think about today and how we are finding ways to move forward. I think it's important that we honour Indigenous History Month by changing the narrative, changing the story, and how we experience our work with Indigenous peoples and others.
We must understand that Indigenous peoples' languages and cultures were taken and stripped away from them. But today, we change that. We pivot, and we start to support Indigenous people where they are, and who they are. We know that their situations are not the result of choice. They don't choose to live in poverty. They don't choose to be unhoused. They don't choose to live with poor mental health. We need to recognize that it's not about the person — it's about what has happened to them.
So for Indigenous History Month, I ask us to pause, to reflect, and to think about how we are moving forward in working with Indigenous peoples. As the profession of social workers, and as a social worker myself, I am incredibly proud as we come together to do some really good work for Indigenous peoples. I know there will be gaps, and we recognize there are gaps. But at the same time, if you have ideas or ways that we can improve our profession, I encourage you to bring those ideas forward. In the meantime, we are doing our best.
I appreciate you for taking the time to honor and recognize Indigenous History Month for June 2026.
I want to leave you with a few quotes. Our beloved late Murray Sinclair said that “education has gotten us into this mess, and education will get us out of this mess.” Métis writer Chelsea Vowel also said: “our cultures are not relics of the past — they are living, breathing, and growing with us.” And equally profound, our Inuk Governor General Mary Simon indicated that “we are all connected, and when one of us is hurting, we all feel it; we know that as social workers.
So to the profession of social workers: I appreciate you, and I appreciate the opportunity to be here with you, to sit at the same table, and to strengthen how we move forward.
I know that truth and reconciliation can happen, and I'm here to support you as you support me. Thank you. Miigwech."