20 May Our New Name!: The Atlantic Indigenous Children’s Healing Initiative (AICH)
With Springtime comes transformation and just like the seasons, we are changing!
Through reflection on the past 20 years of our research and the changing perspectives on the use of the term “Aboriginal”, we have decided to rename and reconceptualize our work as the Atlantic Indigenous Children’s Healing Initiative (AICH Initiative).
Moving from “Aboriginal” to “Indigenous” is in line with contemporary views on appropriate terms for Indigenous peoples, as the word “Indigenous” better reflects the diversity of Indigenous peoples, as well as the legality of Indigenous peoples’ land claims, autonomy, rights and treatment. Inclusion of “Atlantic” in our name reflects the Wabanaki and Labrador scope of both our research and our connection to IWK Health which serves the needs of Indigenous children and youth across the maritime provinces. When we focus on Indigenous youth and children healing, we acknowledge the outcomes of our work in research, education and clinical intervention, and look forward to continued child, family and institutional healing to come.
We are excited for our future as AICH, and for continued progress as our current Etuaptmu’k W’loti project unfolds. While all future communication will be as AICH, you may continue to see some of our digital courses, media, as well as previously published research papers and knowledge mobilization items in our old name.
Aboriginal Children’s Hurt & Healing Initiative (ACHH) is now the Atlantic Indigenous Children’s Healing Initiative (AICH Initiative).