Statement of Apology

Truth and Reconciliation Statement of Apology

Mobile Crisis Services Inc. (Regina) Apology and Commitments

Mobile Crisis Services acknowledges that we operate on Treaty 4 Territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We recognize and respect the inherent, constitutional, and treaty rights of Indigenous Peoples and their enduring relationship with these lands, waters, and communities.

Who We Are

We are mobile crisis responders dedicated to supporting individuals and families during urgent mental health and social emergencies. Our work includes crisis counselling, mental wellness, suicide prevention, and supporting protective interventions where children’s safety and well-being are at risk.

Our Mission

At Mobile Crisis Services, our mission is to provide compassionate, rapid-response care that supports individuals and families during mental health and social emergencies, especially when children’s safety and well-being are involved. We aim to respond with cultural humility and a focus on healing.

Acknowledging Past Harms

We acknowledge that our crisis interventions, especially in child welfare situations, have at times contributed to the removal of Indigenous children without adequate cultural understanding or meaningful engagement with families and communities. These actions have perpetuated cycles of trauma, eroded trust, and disrupted family and cultural bonds.

We acknowledge that our work has taken place within systems that have historically failed to uphold treaty obligations and to protect the rights, cultures, and kinship systems of Indigenous Peoples. These failures continue to influence how crisis responses are perceived and experienced by Indigenous families today.

We understand our actions may have contributed to intergenerational trauma, cultural disconnection, and mistrust of service providers among Indigenous Peoples. These impacts reflect ongoing legacies of colonialism, residential schools, and the Sixties Scoop.

Our Apology

We offer our heartfelt apology to Indigenous Peoples for our role in past harms, particularly when our interventions disrupted family connections and cultural bonds. We regret any instance in which our staff acted without full awareness of Indigenous views or cultural practices.

We sincerely apologize to Indigenous Peoples for the part our services have played in the continued disruption of families and erosion of trust. We regret that some of our interventions, particularly in child welfare contexts, may have contributed to fear, disconnection, and trauma.

We have heard from those who interacted with our services that at times, they felt blamed, dismissed, or unsupported during moments of crisis. These experiences reinforce the importance of cultural humility, empathy, and responsive care in every interaction.

Building Trust with Community

• We commit to collaborating with and receiving guidance from Indigenous voices to help guide our workplace on evaluation and improvement.
• Every staff member will complete Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training (ICAT), led by Indigenous educators with lived experience. This training focuses on trauma, cultural traditions, and worldviews to ensure our team can provide culturally appropriate, safe, and compassionate support to the individuals and families we serve.
• We will do our best to avoid apprehension of a child where possible, and ensure every effort is made to keep children within their communities and cultures whenever safely possible.
• We will be present and accountable in the community, showing our commitment not only in words but in respectful communication and action as well.
• We will regularly attend health fairs, schools, and community events to educate the public and build trust.
• We will explore mobile services to reach those in rural and underserved areas.
• We will improve visibility and connection by partnering with nonprofits and other service providers.

Our Ongoing Responsibility and Commitments

1. We take responsibility for our past actions and remain fully accountable to Indigenous communities.
2. Moving forward, respect for Indigenous culture and family systems will be our mission with continued staff training, and mindful practice.
3. Our work toward reconciliation is continuous and focused on respect, listening, humility, and the promise to never repeat past harms.
4. We accept full responsibility for our past and present impact.
5. We are committed to a future where every family, especially Indigenous families, are treated with dignity, compassion, and cultural understanding.
6. Reconciliation is not a single act. It will guide every part of how we work with humility, honesty, and a commitment to never cause this harm again.
7. We will continue to recruit Indigenous Social Workers to increase diversity and inclusion in our organization.
8. Truth and Reconciliation action items will be noted in the Strategic Plan co-developed with Indigenous advisors and we will be held accountable to achieve the goals, as we journey down the path of reconciliation.
9. We can make referrals to Elders and Indigenous Cultural Advisors to those seeking cultural support.
10. We will ensure there is Indigenous representation and membership at the Board of Directors level by formally updating our Board recruitment and governance policies to include a minimum threshold for Indigenous membership.

Closing Reflection

This apology is a commitment to walk forward in a good way. We promise to continue to learn, listen, and positively evolve. We offer this commitment in the hope of healing and the pursuit of justice for Indigenous children, families, and communities. We understand that reconciliation is a journey that requires constant reflection, learning, and partnership. With every crisis call, with every child and family we meet, we are committed to rebuilding trust and supportive healing together.

If you are an Indigenous individual, family, or organization who would like to share your experiences, ideas, or hopes for how we can do better, we invite you to reach out at info@mcsregina.ca.