National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Dear Colleagues,

September 30 marks our third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day is about honouring the survivors of residential schools and the children who did not return home, as well as their families and communities. It is about showing support for those who had their rights, their identity, and in the case of Phyllis Webstad, their orange shirt taken away at a residential school in BC.

It has been said before but we as physicians have a significant role to play both collectively and individually to help address anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare and make the system more culturally safe. We have made progress, but there is still much for us to do to better educate ourselves and to take action to help build a healthcare system that meets the needs of everyone, especially Indigenous peoples.

Recently I had the honour of visiting a First Nations community in Northern BC where a residential school had previously stood only a short 7km away. The school was taken down years ago but some of the remaining bricks had been used as paver stones for a community fire-pit. The idea that these bricks were now being put to purpose around building community, around creating a place where people can come together, was inspiring. It made me hopeful of where we as society can get to – a place where everyone can come together and a healthcare system where everyone can access culturally safe care.
 
I have had the privilege of working with many First Nations communities over the course of my career. I heard stories, understood truths, and learned teachings that will forever hold space in my heart. I’d like to share a few of the teachings I have learned from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge-Keepers. I share them not as my own teachings, but as wisdom I have learned. They are passed down since time immemorial and I believe they have a relevant place in health care and western culture.

Love is Medicine

These days, many patients are needing more love instead of more prescriptions. When it comes to feeling disconnected, whether that be from our partners, our families, our colleagues, or our community, what we potentially need is more care and, ultimately, more love because Love is Medicine. This is as true of our colleagues as it is of our patients, especially Indigenous patients.

Equity and Inclusivity in Community

At a recent Longhouse Experiential Learning Session, I participated in an exercise where individuals stood in concentric circles with the most cherished members in the middle, and layers of community members encircled around them. This was to express the protection and connection that communities create in the circles of caring. In between the circles of mothers and fathers, there is a circle for Two-spirited individuals, those who share both masculine and feminine qualities. In Indigenous culture, these individuals are given a place of honour and I admire the inherent equity and inclusivity that goes along with that. I hope for something similar in our current society and medical culture.

Sustainability – 7 generations

This teaching is about seeing your work from the perspective of 7 generations – that what you do now, and the life you live now, will impact generations to come, just as your life has been impacted by generations before you. If one generation averages 20-30 years, then consider the impact of a change 140-210 years from now. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting with an Elder who told me she was 142nd generation in her community and her family. I imagine we would do things differently as individuals and as a medical community if we considered 7 generations or more before us, and long after us.

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I hope you spend time acknowledging the truth about the history of colonialism and its generational impact on Indigenous people. I also hope you reconcile that understanding not with shame but with commitment. As was shared with me, “The shame of what happened in the past is not for you to carry but to acknowledge that it occurred, and commit to being an ally, and ensuring that it never happens again.” And while you spend time in the space of truth and reconciliation, I would offer that you reflect on the wisdom of the teachings that are held by Indigenous Elders and communities and consider how reverence for them brings honour to Indigenous ways and makes a positive impact for you personally on this day.

With gratitude,
 
Dr Joshua Greggain
President, Doctors of BC
View Email Addresspresident@doctorsofbc.ca