Our Commitment to Truth & Reconciliation
Our Hair Our Spirit
Our Hair Our Spirit was created for Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) staff and physicians to understand the cultural significance of hair in Indigenous culture, the importance of consent, and ensuring safety for all patients. Produced by STEALTH Media from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the video features:
- Jennifer Ahenakew, Vice President of First Nations and Métis Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority;
- Michael Linklater, Indigenous Speaker, Champion and Advocate, Founder of the international movement Boys with Braids;
- Mariea Linklater Knowledge Keeper from Thunderchild First Nation;
- Cy Standing, Dakota Leader and Knowledge Keeper from Wahpeton Dakota Nation; and
- Dr. Mark Fenton, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
- Randy Morin, Language Keeper and Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan
- Enola Kayseas and Knowledge Keepers of Fishing Lake First Nation
- STEALTH Media from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Special thank you to those who contributed to the video including:
- Randy Morin, Language Keeper and Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan
- Enola Kayseas and Knowledge Keepers of Fishing Lake First Nation
- STEALTH Media from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Additionally, Our Hair Our Spirit reinforces SHA’s Indigenous Hair Cutting Policy.
Related Documents
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.
