Hospital Launches Inaugural Report on Response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by launching an inaugural report on the Hospital’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

“I am pleased to update the community on the work that our Hospital has completed to advance truth and reconciliation. This report shows the work we have done to date through Strategic Plan 2026 and highlights our efforts to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC, and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Institute (TBRHRI). “We will continue to apply the 94 Calls to Action as a lens to every decision we make as an institution, to ensure we deliver the highest level of compassion and inclusion to every patient, every time. We look forward to providing updates on this important work to the community annually.”

The report, entitled Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, focuses on the work that has been done at TBRHSC on five of the 94 Calls to Action (18, 20, 22, 23 and 24) related to health care. In addition, it highlights the work done through partnerships and a timeline of the Indigenous health initiatives to date.

“Historically, issues have occurred within the health care system for Indigenous Peoples,” said Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President of Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion at TBRHSC. “I am happy to share how we are strengthening our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. This work will ensure we provide the best possible health care experience to patients and families across Northwestern Ontario.”

In addition to the launch of this report, to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, TBRHSC’s Miskwaa Biidaaban department (Indigenous Collaboration) organized various events to honour the Survivors and those who never made it home. Events for staff included beading and drumming, presentations from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, an Indigenous vendor market, and a screening of The Secret Path (based on the story of Chanie Wenjack).

“It is an honour to have our Hospital join with countless others across Canada to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, today,” said Patricia Lang, TBRHSC Board Chair. “Reconciliation begins with acknowledging the truth. As part of our commitment to truth and reconciliation, we continue to work toward creating an environment that provides care for each patient and family, in a way that resonates with them.”

To read the report, visit https://bit.ly/TBRHSC-Response-to-TRC-September-2024