TBRHSC Releases Third Annual Report on Progress in Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by releasing its third annual report detailing the Hospital’s ongoing responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

“We are pleased to share this year’s report, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This year, our focus is on increasing Indigenous representation and supporting Indigenous health professionals at every stage of their careers,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and Chief Executive Officer of TBRHSC and Chief Executive Officer of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “As part of this work, we are ensuring all staff receive cultural safety training so that every patient, family, and team member feels respected, valued, and supported. Our progress is grounded in strong partnerships, accountability, and the invaluable guidance of Indigenous voices. While there is still work to be done, I look forward to bringing continued updates on this important work.”

This year’s report highlights TBRHSC’s focus on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action #23, which calls for increased recruitment and retention of Indigenous professionals in health care and cultural safety training for all health care professionals.

“Call to Action #23 is about more than workforce numbers. It challenges us to imagine the health care system we want to build. It means asking who is represented, whose voices are valued, and ensuring Indigenous staff have opportunities for meaningful, lasting careers at our Hospital,” said Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion at TBRHSC. “Our goal is a culture where every staff member is prepared to provide Indigenous patients and families with care that is safe, respectful, and free from racism or discrimination.”

To honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, TBRHSC’s Miskwaa Biidaaban department (Indigenous Collaboration) organized a series of events throughout September. These initiatives included an opportunity for staff to hear the firsthand experiences of Indian Residential School Survivor, Elder Peter Sackaney. Hearing directly from a St. Anne’s Residential School Survivor provided a rare and valuable opportunity to listen, learn and engage. To mark the launch of the report and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, staff were encouraged to wear orange shirts to honour Survivors and remember those who never made it home.

“Advancing Reconciliation at our Hospital means fostering inclusion, equity, and compassion in all that we do”, said Christine Bates, TBRHSC Board Chair. “We know Indigenous Peoples can face unique barriers accessing health care and we are committed to removing these obstacles and supporting cultural safety. Our latest report highlights the progress we’ve made and our ongoing dedication to this important work.”

To read the report, click here.