Our Commitment to Truth & Reconciliation

On June 23, 2021, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Board Chair Arlene Wiks and CEO Scott Livingstone reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to address the Calls to Action (#18-24) that are related to health and are contained in the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Wiks stated at the meeting that, “When we formally signed on to our commitment in front of leaders from the Indigenous community in March of 2019, the Board knew that much work needed to be done to address the trauma experienced by Indigenous people as a result of the residential school system.”

The move was meant to reaffirm the organization’s commitment made on March 4, 2019 when the SHA initially formalized its commitment to the Calls to Action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

In the March 2019 ceremony hosted at the First Nations University of Canada in Regina, the SHA joined with those impacted by residential schools, First Nations and Métis government officials, youth representatives, and the Ministry of Health to commemorate the signing of a document that serves as a framework for the SHA to move forward toward reconciliation with First Nations and Métis Peoples.

As part of the ceremony, former SHA Board Chair R.W. (Dick) Carter said, “Today, the Saskatchewan Health Authority acknowledges the pain, loss, and dislocation caused by the residential school system on individuals, families, communities and nations. Today, we publicly commit to creating concrete and sustainable actions for change.”

In developing the framework, the SHA engaged with the First Nations and Métis communities and its employees to help identify ways in which the organization could meet the recommendations set out in the Calls to Action. In addition, a working group was established to assist with framework development. Members of that group included First Nations and Métis representatives, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Touchwood Agency, the Northern Village of La Loche, Patient Family Partners and representatives from the SHA.

“This public commitment builds upon our ongoing dialogue with our First Nations and Métis partners,” said CEO Scott Livingstone. “While we have accomplished many things working together, we also realize that more work needs to be done to create a health care system that adheres to our organizational values and that continues to put patients and families at the centre of everything we do.”

To help monitor progress on goals set out in the commitment, the SHA established an Implementation Working Group, which reports back to SHA senior leadership and to the community on progress made toward achieving those goals.

The overall engagement is part of the work currently within the SHA that includes expansion of First Nations and Métis Health programs across the province, the development of a patient navigation system, the establishment of a First Nations and Métis Relations office, ongoing community engagement as well as recruitment and retention efforts.

In person local events the week of September 30, 2023

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Regina Public Library, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Cadmus Delorme: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and can be viewed here.

File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council "Walking your own Path of Healing" A Truth and Reconciliation.
Register by calling 306-332-2608 or emailing Felicia.McNab@fhqtc.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

SHA Cultural Conversation Webinar, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Reflections on Reconciliation for Health Professionals with Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty. Register here.

Muskowekwan First Nation, 10 a.m. - 1p.m.
Muskowekwan Orange Shirt Day Walk starting at the education school to residential school, the last residential school still standing. Guest speakers Betty Nippi-Albright (MLA Saskatoon, Survivor) and Ed Bitternose (George Gordon First Nation Indian Residential School Survivor).

THROUGHOUT WEEKEND

Western Development Museum, 50 Diefenbaker Dr., Moose Jaw 
2nd Annual Every Child Matters Powwow 
Friday, September 29, 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 30, 1 p.m. 
Sunday, October 1, 1 p.m.

Mâmawêyatitân Centre, 3355 6th Ave., Regina  
Equity Diversity Inclusion Network Orange Shirt Day Walk and BBQ Healing Our Communities: guest speaker Kerry Benjoe, fourth generation Indian Residential School Survivor and Editor of Eagle Feather News
Saturday, September 30, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.  

Central Urban Métis Federation Inc., 315 Ave. M. S., Saskatoon
Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation
Saturday, September 30
8 a.m. pancake breakfast at CUMFI
10 a .m. walk to Victoria Park with Reconciliation Circle followed by program and games in park
12 p.m. event wraps

Sasktel Centre, 3315 Thatcher Ave., Saskatoon 
Saskatoon Tribal Council Every Child Matters in Honour of Reconciliation Powwow  
Saturday, September 30, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. (wear orange)
Sunday, October 1, 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. (wear red)