MRHA Displays Indigenous Flags Across All Sites to Honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2025
Almonte and Carleton
Place, ON – The
Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA)
joined Canadians across the country today in marking the National Day for Truth
and Reconciliation and Every Child Matters/Orange Shirt Day by displaying
Indigenous flags at all of its sites.
At Almonte General Hospital,
Fairview Manor, and Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital, the
Anishinaabe Flag was officially displayed during ceremonies attended by staff,
medical staff, patients, and community members. At Lanark County Paramedic
Service (LCPS), paramedics displayed the Truth and Reconciliation Flag and wore
orange epaulettes, as LCPS operates bases across Lanark County and serves
communities located on different unceded territories.
The Anishinaabe Flag is a
living symbol of nationhood and resilience. The Thunderbird (Animikii) at its
centre is a sacred messenger and protector. The circle reflects the cycle of
life and interconnectedness of all beings. The red background honours vitality,
growth, and survival, symbolizing the strength of the Anishinaabe people, who
remain deeply connected to the lands and waters of the Ottawa Valley.
“Raising the Anishinaabe Flag
at our sites is a visible commitment to reconciliation and inclusion,” said
Brad Harrington, President & CEO of the MRHA. “This day is a time to honour
the Survivors of residential schools, to remember the children who never came
home, and to reflect on our collective responsibility to ensure every child
matters.”
All Canada flags at MRHA
sites were also lowered to half-mast to remember the children who never came
home and to acknowledge the lasting impacts on Survivors and their communities.
This initiative is part of
the MRHA’s broader Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEI&B)
commitments. Indigenous flags are now permanently displayed alongside Pride
flags at MRHA sites, representing both respect for First Nations peoples and a
continued dedication to building inclusive, compassionate healthcare.
Photos from today’s
ceremonies are attached.
To learn more about the MRHA’s
DEI&B efforts, visit www.mrha.ca
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Media Contact:
Caitlin O’Hara, Communications Lead
Mississippi River Health Alliance
613-621-9638
caohara@mrha.ca
About
the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA)
The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) was
formed in 2016 to formalize and strengthen collaboration between the Almonte
General Hospital Corporation—which includes Almonte General Hospital (AGH),
Fairview Manor (FVM), and the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) and the
Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Corporation (CPDMH). This
partnership delivers seamless, high-quality healthcare that addresses the
evolving needs of local communities. Together, the MRHA is building an
integrated healthcare system that provides comprehensive care close to home,
enhancing access and improving health outcomes throughout the region. For more
information visit www.MRHA.ca.