June 21, 2024 (Ottawa, ON) – On National Indigenous Peoples Day, HealthCareCAN celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, and resilience of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

As the national voice of hospitals, health authorities, healthcare and health research organizations across Canada, we acknowledge the profound impact that colonization and systemic racism have had on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples in Canada. We also recognize the significant strides made towards reconciliation and the ongoing efforts to address these injustices. Cultural sensitivity and humility in healthcare, with an emphasis on the need for providers to approach care with empathy and understanding of the unique experiences and needs of Indigenous peoples, has never been more important.

We also highlight the incredible work of Indigenous leaders, community members, health researchers and healthcare providers who are driving positive change and promoting cultural safety and self-determination. An excellent example of this work is the British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard, a planning and implementation tool to support health and social service organizations to harmonize with the rights of Indigenous Peoples and address Indigenous-specific racism, co-developed by the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia, and our member, the Health Standards Organization (HSO).

We believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for all, and we are committed to continuing our journey towards a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system that prioritizes the needs and perspectives of Indigenous peoples.

We vow to continue our work to support Indigenous-led organizations, initiatives and programs that promote health and wellness, and that increase education and awareness about the experiences of Indigenous peoples and the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare.

Today, we celebrate the progress made, commit to work on the challenges ahead, and look forward to a future where every individual can thrive and reach their full potential.

Paul-Émile Cloutier
President & CEO

HealthCareCAN is the national voice of health authorities, hospitals, health research, and healthcare organizations across Canada. We foster informed and continuous, results-oriented discovery and innovation across the continuum of healthcare. 

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Media contact:

Alexandria Rowe, Communications and Member Services
arowe@healthcarecan.dev2.inter-vision.ca
Cell:  613-220-1023