okimaw peyesew kamik (King Thunderbird Centre) is a vital initiative that will provide health and wellness supports to some of the most vulnerable members of our community. It will offer a range of services such as basic-needs care, mental health services, substance use support, ID services, cultural supports, and other wrap-around services. Learn more at boylestreet.org/buildwithboyle
Boyle Street now needs YOUR support to make this centre a reality. They are seeking letters of support from community leaders, organizations, and individuals who are supportive of Boyle Street and it’s mission to end chronic homelessness. Your support will help Boyle Street secure the necessary permits, funding, and resources to make okimaw peyesew kamik a reality and to overcome the appeals that are anticipated.
Want to show your support for Boyle Street’s project? Below we have provided a template letter of support for your use.
Copy and paste this letter into a word document and personalize it with at least the date and your name. Then email it to Elliott Tanti by Friday, March 17th.
Send your letter of support to etanti@boylestreet.org by Friday, March 17th.
DATE
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my strong support for Boyle Street Community Services and the creation of okimaw peyesew kamik (OPK), an interdisciplinary health and healing hub for people experiencing homelessness in Edmonton. As 75% of people served at Boyle Street are Indigenous, it is critically important to provide holistic and culturally responsive care to underserved populations, particularly those who have experienced systemic discrimination and marginalization.
Indigenous people in Canada continue to experience significant health disparities compared to non-Indigenous populations, including higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and substance use disorders. The effects of colonialism, residential schools, and forced relocation have resulted in significant trauma and intergenerational trauma for Indigenous peoples, which contribute to physical and mental health challenges.
In addition to the systemic barriers faced by Indigenous peoples, homelessness is a significant issue that exacerbates health problems and can further isolate individuals from their communities and support networks. okimaw peyesew kamik would provide a much-needed resource for Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness, offering a range of health and wellness services in a safe, supportive, and culturally responsive environment.
The interdisciplinary nature of the hub is particularly exciting, as it recognizes that health and wellness are not limited to the medical field. Instead, it acknowledges the complex and interconnected factors that contribute to overall health and well-being, including social, cultural, and environmental factors. By bringing together a range of health professionals, community supports, and Indigenous knowledge keepers, the hub can provide a holistic approach to care that is responsive to the unique needs of the individual.
I believe that building okimaw peyesew kamik is a crucial step in addressing the health disparities faced by Indigenous peoples and those experiencing homelessness in Canada. By prioritizing culturally responsive care and addressing the root causes of homelessness, OPK has the potential to transform the lives of peoples who have experienced homelessness, supporting their health and wellness, and strengthening their connections to their community.
Sincerely,
NAME