On behalf of: On Behalf of Cultural Safety and Humility, Indigenous Health and Rural & Remote Operations
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We observe this day to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process in accordance with Call to Action #80 issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Island Health invites all staff and medical staff to participate in the Island Health Orange Shirt Day Reflection as part of our ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation.
Staff and medical staff are encouraged to purchase orange shirts from local nations, artists and organizations, specific to your area. This year Island Health is partnering with the Victoria Orange Shirt Day Society, and staff can purchase an orange shirt online or look up local partner businesses. Through this partnership, Eddy Charlie, Kristen Spray and Mark Atleo of the Victoria Orange Shirt Day Society will share their personal journeys in the Weekly and across social media, highlighting the importance of truth-telling, cultural preservation, empathy, hope, allyship and understanding.
Participation: Staff, medical staff, and volunteers are invited to wear orange shirts and submit a photo of themselves or their team, along with a brief personal reflection. Each reflection submitted will be entered into a draw for a Victoria Orange Shirt and a framed Indigenous art print. The winner will receive a selection of Indigenous art options, valued between $300 and $500 and will have the opportunity to choose the print they prefer.
How to Take Part
- Wear Orange and Share Your Reflections: Join the conversation by sharing your reflections, stories, or team activities and send by October 2 to CulturalSafetyandHumility@islandhealth.ca.
- Reflect on Shared History: Take time to consider the impact of colonization and the resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. The Island Health Seven Generations learning module available on Learning Hub provides excellent foundational knowledge about the impacts of colonization and our shared path going forward towards a healthy future.
- Promote Allyship: Explore what active allyship means and how you can support Indigenous colleagues and communities. The mandatory Island Health learning module “Working Together As One” to Address Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination provides valuable learning about the importance of allyship and tools for all staff to support anti-racist work and care environments.
- Commit to Action: Identify steps you can take, both individually and as a team, to advance reconciliation and support anti-racist work and care environments within Island Health.
- Learn: Familiarize with Island Health’s commitments to Indigenous Health and reconciliation. Seek available education and learning resources available to staff and medical staff.
- Engage: Attend virtual events, such as lunch and learns, or participate in local community activities or events. Explore recommended readings, films, and resources to deepen your understanding.