Statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Doctors of BC fully acknowledges that systemic and interpersonal anti-Indigenous racism exists within our healthcare system. We recognize that physicians, both collectively and individually, not only have a significant role to play, but have also made great strides in helping address anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare and making the system more culturally safe.

While this progress is promising, there is still much work to be done to educate ourselves, to recognize and unlearn colonialism and racism, and to take concrete action to build a healthcare system free of racism that meets the needs of Indigenous peoples in BC. This is a long-term endeavour that will take continual commitment, humility, and action to achieve.

Doctors of BC is committed to walking with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples on our collective journey to ensure Indigenous patients have access to culturally safe health care. Through the Joint Collaborative Committees (JCCs), we have worked with Indigenous partners to learn about and share the truth of Canada’s history of Indigenous violence, oppression, residential schools, missing and deceased children, and the impact these tragedies have on our health care system and society today. More information on our commitment, including ongoing work and programs, can be found on our Cultural Safety & Humility webpage.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on the effects of colonialism, the pain and suffering of Indigenous Peoples, and the actions we must take to address anti-Indigenous racism in health care. We will continue to bear witness to, and acknowledge, the harms that Indigenous people have experienced in the past and in the present day.

Learning Resources

• Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

  • National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

  • The 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

• British Columbia’s In Plain Sight Report

• Calls to Action Accountability: A 2022 Status Update on Reconciliation

• Orange Shirt Society

Indigenous community events

• Indigenous Tourism British Columbia

Books for children and adults

• Iron Dog Books Indigenous Reads

• Massy Books National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day Book List

Support services

Crisis and mental health and emotional support lines are available 24/7 through:

• The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 (Provides 24-hour crisis support for residential school survivors and their families) 

• The KUU-US Crisis Line 1-800-588-8717 (Support provided to Indigenous people throughout the province of British Columbia)

• Métis Crisis Line BC 1-833-638-4722 (Support for Métis people throughout the province of British Columbia)

• Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca for online chat (Available to all Indigenous people across Canada)