📆
9
Posted On: September 9, 2025
On Behalf of Indigenous Health & Rural and Remote Operations
Throughout this month, the Cultural Safety and Humility Team will share narratives regarding the significance of reconciliation from different perspectives. Reconciliation is not a singular pathway; rather, it is a collective journey that requires each of us to undertake, informed by our individual histories and experiences.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action began with the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2008 to document the legacy of residential schools. The Calls to Action were released in the TRC's Final Report in June 2015 at its closing event and provide a roadmap for governments and other sectors to address the harms of the residential school system and advance reconciliation. A decade after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Canada’s reconciliation efforts have been slow, with only 15 out of 94 Calls to Action fulfilled—approximately 16% progress.
Health: Learn how the Government of Canada is responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action 18 to 24.
As Canada reflects on the TRC’s anniversary, the challenge remains: to move beyond talk and take bold, transformative action. On this upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us approach it with kindness, respect, and a commitment to building understanding and supporting health, wellness, and healing for Indigenous communities.
Let’s keep learning, unlearning, and walking together toward truth and justice. The future of reconciliation depends on collective courage and commitment to celebrating Indigenous strength and fostering collaboration.
What Else Can We Do?
- Cultural Safety and Humility Learning and Support Resource Guide: This resource guide is designed to support your ongoing learning and reflection on how to create safer, more respectful, and inclusive environments for everyone.
- Wear Orange: Read the recent 2025 Orange Shirt Day, news article that highlights Indigenous artist Joslyn Charlie, of the Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw nations. Visit the Island Health Store!
- Read the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Buy Indigenous to Buy Canadian: buy from legitimate Indigenous-owned businesses. Use the CCIB’s directory to find certified Indigenous businesses and organizations.
- Victoria Indigenous Pop-Up Collective
Date: Wednesday, Sept 17, 2025
Location: Atrium, Patient Care Centre, Royal Jubilee Hospital
- Victoria Indigenous Pop-Up Collective
- Pick one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and pursue the prescribed action.
- Read the Yellowhead Institute, Calls to Action Accountability report:
A 2023 Status Update on Reconciliation. - National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Truth and Reconciliation Week: Attend Virtual Lunch and Learns on September 22 – 26, 2025.
- Read Indigenous authors, watch Indigenous media, and support Indigenous artists.