Our Commitment to Truth & Reconciliation
Reflecting on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A Message from Andrew Will, Chief Executive Officer, Saskatchewan Health Authority; Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer, Saskatchewan Health Authority; and Jennifer Ahenakew, Vice President of First Nations and Métis Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority
September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, honours residential school survivors, remembers those who never came home and reflects on the lasting impact of the residential school system that is still felt in Indigenous communities today.
On this day, we focus on our collective commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Each and every day, Saskatchewan Health Authority employees and physicians work to provide quality care and achieve health equity for First Nations and Métis people. As an organization, we have worked to implement training, policies, and initiatives to be inclusive and respectful; to build a health workforce that is more representative of the communities we serve; and to enhance partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province to meet the needs of First Nations and Métis people.
We all have a role to play in achieving true reconciliation within our community. Our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation within the Saskatchewan Health Authority goes beyond words; it includes meaningful action to create safer, more inclusive spaces for Indigenous patients, families and communities. This is reflected in our CARES values of providing compassionate, accountable, respectful, equitable and safe care.
Our reconciliation journey requires ongoing learning. It means becoming familiar with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action — particularly those related to health care — and understanding that reflecting on our history is key to healing.
Thank you to each of you for the work you do to provide culturally inclusive care. Your dedication is vital to shaping a health system where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation with humility, openness and a shared commitment to healing.
Saskatchewan Health Authority honours commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
On September 26th, 2024, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action.
“The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation is a demonstration of the dedication of SHA staff, leadership teams and volunteers to be inclusive and respectful in all that they do in delivering quality care to everyone in this province,” said Board Chair Arlene Wiks. “By signing this reaffirmation today, the SHA is continuing our commitment to enhancing health outcomes with Indigenous people across the province and working collaboratively with First Nations and Métis communities to achieve this goal.”
Following its initial commitment in 2019, SHA initiated actions focused on equitable, accessible and culturally responsive health care, including:
- Implementing a Traditional Knowledge Keepers Advisory Council to guide organizational initiatives;
- Increasing cultural safety and anti-racism training for staff and physicians;
- Targeted actions to increase the number of First Nations and Métis people working within the SHA;
- Implementing retention and advancement opportunities for Indigenous employees;
- Building closer partnerships with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, and other First Nations and Métis organizations.
“We are focused on advancing reconciliation by closing the gap in health outcomes that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, building a health workforce that is more representative of the communities we serve, and partnering with Indigenous communities across the province to meet the needs of First Nations and Métis people,” said SHA CEO Andrew Will.
The SHA supports and acknowledges the wholistic worldviews, knowledge and practices of First Nations and Métis peoples’ health and wellbeing. The Commitment Statement was developed with the support of the Ministry of Health and SHA Board of Directors, with input from elders, cultural support workers, SHA Traditional Knowledge Keepers Advisory Council and SHA Truth and Reconciliation Steering Committee.
A copy of the Commitment Statement can be found below.
