There are 204 distinct First Nations in BC who have cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial and continue stewardship to this day. As a provincial organization, we acknowledge and respect the inherent title and rights of BC First Nations whose territories stretch to every inch of the lands colonially known as British Columbia (BC). BC is home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples from homelands elsewhere in Canada. We recognize their distinct rights, including rights to health, which are upheld in international, national, and provincial law.
What are we doing at CHCPBC? We are doing our part to uphold our commitments to dismantle Indigenous-specific racism in the healthcare system. We are accountable to the 2017 Declaration of Commitment, the 2021 Joint Apology and Commitment to Action, and the Guiding principles 14 and 15 of the Health Professions and Occupations Act. We will continue to identify where Indigenous-specific racism shows up in our regulatory processes and we choose to be an actively anti-racist organization.
Here are some things you can do to learn, celebrate, and take action personally or in your workplace this June:
- Read the In Plain Sight report, which heard from Indigenous peoples throughout BC proof that there is Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in BC healthcare. The report contains 24 recommendations.
- Read Remembering Keegan: A BC First Nations Case Study Reflection. “Telling Keegan’s story is important as a way to bear witness, document ‘Culturally Unsafe Encounters’ within the health care system, and contribute to changing the system to prevent similar deaths or harm in the future.”
- Read CHCPBC’s Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-Racism Practice Standard (PDF). If you are a health-care provider, consider how you are applying these principles in your practice.
- Diversify your social media by following Indigenous content creators. A few examples are Khelsilem, Jared Qwustenuxun Williams, Decolonize Myself, and Culturally Committed.
- Buy Indigenous art, clothing, jewelry or books; listen to Indigenous musicians; watch Indigenous-created films and TV shows.
- Talk to your Member of Parliament or community leaders about the actions they are taking to uphold the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and advance reconciliation.
- Find out about Indigenous-led celebrations in your community this month and join in the celebration. Maybe eat lunch with a few people you don’t know and start a conversation.
You are also encouraged to read any news story article relating to First Nations and Indigenous people and monitor the comment sections on social media, these are active and current examples of how Indigenous-specific racism occurs. A few to highlight are:
- Senate hears calls for Liberal anti-hate bill to include ‘residential school denialism,’ hammer and sickle
- Pipi7íyekw/Joffre Lakes Park
- stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge
Now is the time to deepen your understanding of the ongoing impacts of colonization and the harms that continue to this day. You can celebrate Indigenous brilliance and resilience while you continue your reconciliation journey through reflection, learning and action.
