Land Acknowledgment
We would like to acknowledge that Richmond Hill, Ontario, is located on the traditional territories of several Indigenous nations. These include the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), and Anishinaabe peoples.
Richmond Hill is also part of the lands protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
Today, this area is home to many diverse Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island, and we are grateful for the opportunity to live and work on this land. We are committed to understanding and respecting the history and contributions of Indigenous communities and to fostering a path toward reconciliation.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Vision
Our vision is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can benefit from the therapeutic power of canine companionship. We are committed to fostering a culture that embraces diversity, ensures equitable access to services, and promotes an inclusive atmosphere for all employees, clients, and their canine companions.
Mission
To integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion into every aspect of our canine therapy programs, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can access and benefit from our services. We strive to support mental health and well-being in a manner that respects and celebrates the diversity of our community.
Core Principles
1. Equity: We ensure fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals. We actively work to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
2. Diversity: We recognize, respect, and value differences, including those of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other characteristics. We believe that a diverse environment fosters innovation and empathy.
3. Inclusion: We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. We encourage active participation and engagement from all members of our community, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.
Commitments
1. Inclusive Access: We are committed to making our services accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, from various cultural backgrounds, and with different life experiences. We will provide accommodations and support to ensure equitable participation in our programs.
2. Cultural Competence: We will provide ongoing training for our staff to enhance their understanding of and respect for cultural differences and to promote inclusive practices. This includes education on unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity, and the unique needs of diverse populations.
3. Community Engagement: We will actively engage with diverse communities to understand their needs and perspectives, ensuring our programs are relevant and responsive. We will build partnerships with organizations that support underrepresented groups to extend the reach and impact of our services.
4. Feedback and Improvement: We will establish channels for regular feedback from clients, staff, and the broader community to continuously improve our EDI practices. We will use this feedback to inform our policies, programs, and initiatives, ensuring they remain effective and inclusive.