Youville Clinic was established in the early 1980s. It is named for Saint Marguerite d’Youville, founder of the Grey Nuns in Canada. Her legacy, and that of the Grey Nuns is complex. We acknowledge the determination, desire to help and the innovative and courageous actions of these women at a very different time. Youville was developed to carry on the legacy of compassion in health and social services.
We also must acknowledge the harms committed in the past by Marguerite d'Youville, the Grey Nuns and the Catholic Church. We must acknowledge this legacy and the ongoing impacts today. We must acknowledge the injustices and the harms committed against Indigenous relatives of Turtle Island - especially here in Treaty 1 territory and the heartlands of the Red River Metis. This legacy is not forgotten as we continue to carryout health and social services.
We must acknowledge the harms committed against those who have been and continue to be systemically marginalized. This also includes racialized individuals, those who live with different abilities, 2SLGBTQQIA folks, those who identify as women, those persecuted or excluded due to religious beliefs.
We will not repeat the mistakes of the past. We will work continuously towards meaningful and impactful change, grounded in Intersectionality, Anti-racism, Anti-Oppression and Anti-colonial/decolonizing ways. We will centre our work as an organization, in Reconciliation and Equity. We strive to co-create services and supports that meet the needs and build on the beautiful gifts of those we provide them to - defined by them, led by them.
We will pursue equity, not through benevolence, but through meaningful actions rooted in solidarity. We will be accountable and transparent on our journey.