O CANADA
A SETTLER’S VISION FOR CANADA
Canada is what it is – a peaceful multicultural nation – because of its Indigenous values of compromise and harmony. Image credit: DEVON HAWKINS on Unsplash.
Dr Chandrakant Padamshi Shah, Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, has transformed public health education nationwide and championed Indigenous health throughout his career.
His advocacy reshaped Canada’s citizenship exam and established the country’s first endowed Indigenous Health chair, leaving a profound legacy of inclusion, scholarship, and systemic reform.
Dr Shah is an honorary consulting physician at Anishnawbe Health Toronto and the author of To Change the World: My Work With Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Canada.
Well-known journalist and author Haroon Siddiqui, CM OOnt, had this to say about Dr Shah:
Canada is what it is – a peaceful multicultural nation – because of its Indigenous values of compromise and harmony. But few immigrants to Canada appreciate how invaluable that Canadian DNA is to our peaceful coexistence.
Dr Chandrakant Shah,
However, one Indo-Canadian fully grasps this reality. And that is Dr Chandrakant Shah, retired professor from U of T. He has worked tirelessly not only on improving the health of our indigenous communities but also building bridges to them. For his extraordinary services, he has been awarded the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario.
Dr Shah has penned this poetic tribute for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. He describes himself as a settler.
My Wish on Reconciliation Day
My Canada, born of many sovereign Nations,
On this Reconciliation Day, I dream of a land made whole,
A land that honours Indigenous Peoples,
Protects their languages, Keeps their cultures vibrant,
Acknowledges their ancient wisdom in caring for Mother Earth.
A land that cherishes their children,
Respects their sacred traditions of healing,
Dances in the joyful circle of the powwow.
But above all, A land that recognizes Their nationhood and treaty rights,
Plants deep within every heart the enduring truth:
We are all treaty people.
With this my Canada shall stand, Strong in spirit,
Free in conscience, And Just in its embrace of all.