Doctors of BC: Statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30^th, Doctors of BC reaffirms our commitment to cultural safety and humility within our health care system and our society. We acknowledge that there are ugly parts of Canada’s history and our society, including systemic racism, especially against Indigenous people that includes attempts to erase their land, language, and culture. This racism is part of the fabric of our country and we should not turn away from this truth or try and hide from it. We need to collectively turn towards this truth in order to learn from it, become better as a society, and move towards a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Let’s use this day, and every day, to bear witness and take action against the harms that Indigenous people have experienced to the present day. We understand that this journey will not be quick or easy. We must make time to pause and reflect and it will take time and effort. Doctors of BC is committed to doing this work.

Doctors of BC is encouraging all physicians to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Some practices will pause during the day, and others will be closed. Doctors have our full support to commemorate this day in a manner that befits the solemn occasion.

As an organization, Doctors of BC is recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by pausing our normal work and encouraging all employees to treat this as a day of education, awareness, and reflection. In recognition of the federal statutory holiday, our offices will be closed, but staff – wearing their orange t-shirts - will join two online educational events that will provide an opportunity to learn about Canada’s Indigenous history and why it is relevant today. These events will include a morning session with Len Pierre, a consultant on Indigenous Cultural Safety & Humility at Fraser Health, who will share learnings around Indigenous history, truth and reconciliation, and cultural safety. As well, staff can take part in a facilitated, virtual roundtable on Bob Joseph’s book, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, a guide to understanding this legal document and its repercussions on generations of Indigenous Peoples. This is an important part of our larger vision to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the organization.

Learning resources: 

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• The 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
• Books for children and adults:
  • Orange Shirt Day reading list 
  • Residential school reading list

Support services:

• Crisis support lines are available 24/7 through:
  
  • Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1-800-721-0066,
  • 24-Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419