National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day: Begin Your Journey of Self-Education Sep. 21, 2023 Cultural Safety and Humility

September 30 is The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day: Begin Your Journey of Self-Education

On September 30, join us in commemorating the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day by reflecting on the ongoing impacts of residential schools in Canada and working to ensure that the stories, lessons, traditions, and history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada are never forgotten.

As one of the most accessible health professions, it is imperative for BC’s Pharmacy Professionals to understand and reflect upon this history, not only as a step towards reconciliation, but also as a means to provide better culturally safe, anti-racist and empathetic care for Indigenous patients and clients.

To help pharmacy professional begin or continue their individual journeys toward truth and reconciliation, we have compiled a list of initiatives, reports, commitments, and other resources aimed at addressing and rectifying the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Cultural Humility is rooted in a lifelong commitment to self-reflection, learning, and listening without judgment. We encourage pharmacy professionals to use these resources as a starting point in our ongoing process of healing and understanding and rebuilding trust Indigenous Communities in BC.

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
  • Truth and Reconciliation Week Daily Lunch and Learn Webinars
  • Residential School History
  • Residential School Timeline
  • NCTR Archives

• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
  • Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
  • National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice
  • Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan

• Government of Canada Resources
  • Maps of Indigenous Peoples and Lands
  • Learning resources about First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada

• CPBC Resources
  • Cultural Safety and Humility ReadLinks Series
  • Racism in Healthcare: An Apology to Indigenous People and a Pledge to be Anti-Racist
  • Dismantle Racism in Health Care: First Anniversary Report from Health-System Leaders (May 2022)
  • Dismantle Racism in Health Care: Two-Year Update (June 2022)

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
• BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan (DRIPA Action Plan)
• Remembering Keegan: A BC First Nations Case Study Reflection
• Indian Residential School History & Dialogue Centre: Collections
• Indigenous Canada Course (FREE) – University of Alberta
• San’Yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Course: Core ICS Health

Events and Ways to Participate on September 30

In addition to the above resources, here are some opportunities around Metro Vancouver to participate and show your support and solidarity on September 30, 2023:

• B.C. Event Listings: Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023
• Intergenerational March to commemorate Orange Shirt Day (UBC)
• BC Culture Days
• National Truth & Reconciliation Day – White Rock
• Skookum Surrey National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society Event at Trout Lake
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Maple Ridge
• Free Admission at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
• Teaching Pow Wow (New West)
• Friendship Walk and Gathering – Grandview Park East Van
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Pier Park (New West)
• Truth and Reconciliation Day: Workshop with Shaina Stephens
• All My Relations: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Coquitlam)

Mental health support for those impacted by residential schools

The College recognizes that some of the information contained in this article may trigger unpleasant or traumatic feelings. If you require mental health support, please contact one of the following services:

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society: Toll-Free Line 1 800 721 0066 
• 24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1 866 925 4419 
• KUU-US Crisis Line: 1 800 588 8717 
• Indigenous Wellness Program: 604 675 2551 or 1 866 8840888 
• First Nations Health Authority – Mental Health Benefit

Learn more about the College’s commitment and efforts to dismantle Indigenous-specific racism within BC’s healthcare system:

bcpharmacists.org/CulturalSafetyAndHumility