A message from the IERHA Indigenous Health team

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a vital time to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of residential schools and colonial policies on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and to honour Survivors, their families, and communities. For those of us working in healthcare, this day carries deep significance. The documented inequities in access to healthcare experienced by Indigenous peoples – even within Canada’s publicly funded system – are a direct result of this history. In Manitoba, health inequities between First Nations and other Manitobans have actually widened since 2002. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, particularly Call to Action #18 (acknowledging the direct harms of Canadian policies) and #19 (establishing measurable goals to close health outcome gaps), remind us that reconciliation is not just about remembering the past – it’s about transforming systems today to ensure culturally safe, equitable care and achieve equity of outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.

At Interlake-Eastern RHA, we are deeply committed to this work, understanding that reconciliation requires meaningful, system-wide change. Reconciliation in healthcare means listening to Indigenous voices and knowledge keepers, actively learning from traditional knowledge and healing practices, and comprehensively addressing systemic racism and jurisdictional discrimination that contribute to health inequities. This commitment is reflected in our ongoing efforts to have a representative workforce, build Indigenous health services, and grow cultural competency across our region. On this day and every day, let’s take time to learn, reflect, and actively dismantle racism, and take action toward creating a healthcare system rooted in respect, understanding, and true partnerships for the people and communities we serve.

Achieving culturally safe and equitable care also requires continuous self-reflection at the individual level. It is important to acknowledge that racism and discrimination, although rooted in structural factors, are also experienced at the individual level and profoundly impact patient trust and access to care.

We all have a responsibility to recognize and respond to discrimination and racism. This means consciously challenging our own biases, assumptions, and privileges, and understanding that fostering respectful, trusting relationships is fundamental to transforming healthcare.