Cultural Safety and Humility

On September 30, 2023, we observe Orange Shirt Day as well as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day where we are asked to reflect on and acknowledge the ongoing legacy of residential schools and reaffirm our commitment to advancing reconciliation and building a better future for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Though many of us have been given the day off and may be taking the opportunity to rest and relax, I’d like to remind you all that reconciliation is not a passive process.

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.

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn, reflect upon and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.

As the College continues to evolve as a regulator and leader in health care and public safety, it is important that our organizational identity continues to reflect the society we live in.

The College is pleased to introduce its updated 2022/23 – 2027/28 Strategic Plan along with a new Commitment Statement, Organizational Values and Logo!

September 30, 2022 marks the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, we encourage pharmacy professionals in British Columbia to reflect on the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples, and what you can do within both your personal and professional lives to help address and dismantle Indigenous-specific racism in Canada. 

The College is currently working to implement an Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-racism Practice Standard in order to set clear expectations for registrants on the provision of providing culturally safe and anti-racist care for Indigenous patients and clients. The Board will be reviewing the new practice standard at its September Board meeting and, if approved, is expected to come into effect in September 2022

June is National Indigenous History Month and today, Tuesday, June 21st 2022, marks the 26th annual National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. On this day, and throughout the month of June, BC’s health professionals are reminded to take some time to celebrate, reflect on, and learn about the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Communities.

In May 2021, the College of Pharmacists of BC, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, and the College of Dental Surgeons of BC, issued an apology to Indigenous peoples and communities in BC for the racism and discrimination they have experienced while engaging with us and with the health professionals we regulate.
 

PharmaCare has created a consolidated list of fully covered First Nations Health Benefits (Plan W) over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The online OTC list provides a simple, sortable reference tool to help healthcare providers, health advocates, and patients navigate Plan W and understand which OTC items are eligible benefits.

Orange shirt day, much like the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for all Canadians to honour Residential School Survivors, their families and communities; and to stand-up against racism, bullying and unethical treatment in all facets of Canadian society, from education to health care.