Indigenous-specific Anti-Racism and Discrimination Policy Launch

Posted On: May 1, 2025

 

memo.png

 

The following is being shared with​ all staff, medical staff, students and volunteers on behalf of Dawn Thomas, Aa ap waa iik, VP of Indigenous Health and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Jamie Braman, VP of Communications & Partnerships and Interim VP of People.​

 

At Island Health, we recognize Indigenous-specific racism persists within our organization and the communities we serve, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism cause significant harm to Indigenous Peoples. In response, addressing Indigenous-specific racism was identified as a priority in our 2024/25 Organizational Priorities & Outcome Goals, guiding our ongoing efforts towards equity and reconciliation.

In alignment with the In Plain Sight report, the HSO BC Cultural Safety and Humility Standard and our Declaration of Commitment, Island Health has implemented an Indigenous-specific Anti-Racism and Discrimination Policy (the 'Policy') and accompanying Procedure. Through these commitments, we strive to deliver the highest possible standard of care and to promote safe workplaces for all.

The Policy—developed in consultation and with contributions from employees across Island Health, including medical staff—aims to:  

  • Establish a culture of accountability with zero tolerance for Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination within the organization.
  • Promote a 'speak-up' culture where everyone has a duty to report concerns of Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination, witnessed or experienced, with an 'any door is the right door' approach to safe reporting.
  • Create culturally safer reporting pathways to ensure that Indigenous employees feel confident to report their experiences without fear of recrimination.
  • Outline a spectrum of consequences, including restorative approaches, which may be applied when a breach of the Policy occurs.
  • Advance learning and support prevention with newly designed Indigenous specific anti-racism education and training.
  • Create safer work environments and services for Indigenous employees, medical staff and volunteers.

The Policy, Procedure and supporting education are significant steps in a continuous journey towards safer workplaces and health-care services. Earlier this year, Island Health shared its official position on racism and discrimination. A committee focused on Indigenous-specific anti-racism has also been established as a part of our Clinical Governance Improvement Initiative.

Thank you for your commitment to advancing our efforts to create an equitable and inclusive environment for everyone we serve and work alongside. Your ongoing support is critical to creating workplaces and services where Indigenous Peoples feel heard, respected and safe.   ​

What you need to know:

  • The Poli​cy applies equally to all those associated with Island Health, including employees, medical staff, students and volunteers.
  • Individuals, leaders and the organization have role-specific responsibilities under the Policy relating to accountability, modelling behaviour, reporting and training requirements.
  • Everyone at Island Health has accountability to identify, interrupt and address Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination.

What you need to do:

  1. Read and reflect on the Policy and Procedure to understand your responsibilities and those of your colleagues.
  2. A new mandatory Education Module, Working Together as One to Address Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination (Code #35350) is available now on the LearningHub. Please ensure you take the course.
  3. Have discussions with your colleagues about how the Policy applies to your daily practice.

Resources & Supports: