“Educational resources are key to creating a healthier workplace” - Spotlight Interview with MWO (Retired) Guy Mandeville

October 22, 2021 - Defence Stories

You won’t want to miss this spotlight interview! This October for Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month, check out what some of your colleagues have to say about workplace wellness.

You can also participate in a series of virtual activities (You are now leaving Canada.ca, for internal audiences only) to support in creating a workplace we all feel good to be a part of.

Today we highlight Guy Mandeville who joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1967. He served with the Royal Canadian Regiment for 9 years, and then transferred to the Canadian Forces Postal Services until 2009, when he retired after 42 years of service.

Since his retirement, Guy has been involved with local high schools where he does presentations on Inuit, First Nations, and Metis peoples. He is a member of Scouts Canada and the Trenton Lions Club, as well as a member of the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG).

We spoke to him about his experience.

1. What would you like people to know about you as an Indigenous Person?
   As a Métis, I proudly wear my emblem every day and promote my people. I promote as much as I can, everywhere I go, to bring awareness to my community. I feel that we shouldn’t be afraid to teach non-indigenous peoples our practices, and should share our experiences with all who are willing to listen.
2. What does wellness mean to you as a member of the indigenous community?
   To me, wellness means overall physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and maintaining your health in all of these areas. Everyone’s wellness may look different based on their personal lifestyles and needs at any given period of time.
3. How can colleagues actively help to create a healthier workplace for the indigenous community?
   In my opinion, educational resources are key to creating a healthier workplace. Providing educational tools such as books, teaching individuals/groups about inclusivity, and being a role model to all are just a few of the ways that we can make our environments more safe and healthy. Encouraging everyone to speak their truth and share their stories, will allow us all to gain knowledge, and apply it to ourselves and our practices in our day-to-day lives.
4. What is a piece of advice or guidance you received that has stuck with you? (related to mental health and well-being)
   Being patient with yourself and everyone around you will allow you to be more accommodating and open to change. Being committed and hardworking will always pay off.
5. Can you please share a couple of resources (i.e., books, documentaries, videos, etc.) that you found accurate and impactful in learning about or supporting your community?
   For more resources, you can contact the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group (DAAG).

If you need additional support EAP and CFMAP are here for you.

For additional educational resources please consult the links below:

Indigenous Perspectives: Stories from Indigenous Public Servants – A podcast which explores being Indigenous in the Public Service, what reconciliation is for individuals and what it can be for Canada.

Reconciliation: A Starting Point – A mobile app which can be used as a reference tool for learning about First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, including key historical events and examples of reconciliation initiatives.

Indigenous Learning Series – Provides access to resources, courses, workshops and events on history, cultures, rights and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples within Canada.