September 29, 2026
Walking the Path of Reconciliation Together
As we approach National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — also known as Orange Shirt Day — we wanted to take a moment to connect with you about what this day means and why it matters to all of us here at Island Health. Recent events such as the white nationalist gathering on Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc territory make it clear Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination is an urgent threat to the health and wellness of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Addressing Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination, as outlined in Island Health's Outcome Goal G1, remains a key priority. Creating safe work and care environments depends on meaningful action from everyone at Island Health.
“In the past, I have often talked about the ‘backpack’ my Indigenous colleagues and I wear when we come to work. It’s a heavy backpack, filled with colonization, racism, the experiences that we’ve had over the years, the mistrust and poor treatment. The work of reconciliation is a lifelong journey and includes vital steps to listen, learn, reflect and act. Wearing an orange shirt on this upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important place to start, but there is more work for each of us to do. Each of us will have opportunities to listen to Indigenous peoples as they share their own experiences and the lasting impacts of residential schools and colonialism. We can learn and reflect on how violence, poverty, racism, and unequal access to care continue to affect health, safety, and wellness today. Then we can take the next step: act. That’s how we grow and create meaningful change on this journey. We can all walk together to create care environments where Indigenous patients, families, staff, and communities feel respected, heard, and safe.”
— Dawn Thomas (Aa ap waa iik), Vice President of Indigenous Health
and Rural & Remote Operations
"Reconciliation is about the establishment and maintenance of mutually respectful relationships. That's still the work that we're all involved with today achieving those respectful relationships and striving hard for those to materialize. I also know how important it is to create safe spaces, challenge discrimination and amplify voices. Similar to Dawn’s above vital steps to listen, learn, reflect and act — it is important to know when to step aside, to step back and to step in front when we see these opportunities to do so."
— Marko Pelijhan, Vice President – Acute Clinical Operations & Provincial Programs
About Orange Shirt Day
This day is about honoring the experiences of residential school survivors, their families, and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. It’s rooted in the story of Phyllis Jack Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school — a symbol of so much that was lost, but also of resilience and hope.
Why Does This Matter
Island Health remains deeply committed to advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Calls to Action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. We do much of this work in partnership through the Vancouver Island Partnership Accord and the Letter of Understanding between Métis Nation BC and Island Health. As an organization, we continue to prioritize work to address Indigenous-specific racism and to help promote anti-racist work and care environments for Indigenous patients, families, communities, and staff as exemplified in our annual outcome goals and priorities. We also know there’s still a lot of work to do. We serve many First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, including urban, away-from-home and non-status Indigenous individuals and we have a responsibility to make sure our care is welcoming, respectful, and informed by the truth of our shared history.
What We Can Do
Wearing orange on September 30th is a great start — it shows we care and that we’re paying attention. But let’s not stop there. Here are four steps we can all take:
- Listen – Take time to hear Indigenous voices and stories, whether from colleagues, patients, or community members.
- Learn – Read, watch, or attend something that helps you understand the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools and colonialism.
- Reflect– Think about what you can do, big or small, to support reconciliation in your work and life.
- Act – Help build anti-racist work and care environments by addressing concerns of racism when witnessed or experienced using a “call in” approach, support Indigenous colleagues and patients, and look for ways to make our workplace more inclusive. Get Involved – Wear orange. Participate in virtual or local events. Engage in conversations and most importantly; reflect on how your role can help close health gaps and advance respectful care for Indigenous peoples.
There are lots of ways to participate — join a or create an event, attend a workshop, or just have a conversation with someone about what this day means. Visit the Key Messages & Conversation Guide for Organizational Leaders or the Indigenous Health intranet page for resources and ideas if you’re looking for a place to start.
Let’s Keep Moving Forward
Orange Shirt Day is a reminder that we’re all in this together. Every action, every conversation, and every bit of learning help us build a better, more inclusive health authority and community. Thank you for being part of this journey.
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