Statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Doctors of BC acknowledges that systemic and interpersonal anti-Indigenous racism exists within our healthcare system. We recognize that physicians have a significant role to play collectively and individually to help address anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare and make the system more culturally safe.

We also want to recognize the progress that physicians have been making across the province individually and in groups. While this progress is promising, we know that there is so much more that needs to be done to educate ourselves, to recognize and unlearn colonialism and racism, and to take concrete action to build a healthcare system free of racism that meets the needs of Indigenous peoples in BC. This is a long-term endeavour that will take continual commitment, humility, and action to achieve.

In the past year, Doctors of BC – through the Joint Collaborative Committees – has worked with Indigenous partners to learn about and share the truth of Canada’s history of violence, oppression, residential schools, missing and deceased children, and the impact these tragedies have on our health care system and society today.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on the effects of colonialism, the pain and suffering of Indigenous Peoples, and the actions we must take to address anti-Indigenous racism in health care. We will continue to bear witness to, and acknowledge, the harms that Indigenous people have experienced in the past and in the present day.

Learning resources: 

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

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