In its statement on Truth and Reconciliation, the Canadian Association of Long Term Care of which NHNSA is a member, CALTC writes, “Canadians have a growing awareness of the historical bias and racism that Indigenous people have experienced. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its report in 2015, with ninety-four calls to action under specific themes that must be undertaken to initiate the journey of reconciliation and healing, nation to nation. As the Canadian public continues to learn about the historical experiences of Indigenous people, there is a sense of grief that is now part of our collective heritage. This has also left us to consider the current state of healthcare and specifically long term care and our responsibilities towards truth and reconciliation for the future.”

 

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 30 marks both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, commemorative days to honour and remember survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, as well as their families and communities.

Earlier this summer CALTC published the position paper titled “CALTC Position Statement on Long Term Care Homes and Reconciliation with Indigenous People”. This paper reflects on our sector’s responsibilities towards Truth and Reconciliation for the future, offers suggestions for LTC homes beginning a journey forward in Reconciliation and shares a list of resources that have been developed to support Reconciliation, cultural safety and humility, and address racism.

 

As we approach September 30, we wanted to take this opportunity to share this resource within our organization.