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, 2022

September 28: Mini Round Dance organized by the Four Directions Reconciliation Committee, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Four Directions parking lot; 1504 Albert St. Regina
For more information call 306-519-4183 or email lisa.workman@saskhealthauthority.ca

September 29: Miyo-wîcîwitowin Day: Recognizing Truth. Inspiring Action
Free event – tickets must be reserved at https://wewalktogether.ca/ 
Mosaic Stadium, 1700 Elphinstone Street, Regina: 9:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.) and will conclude at 3:00 p.m.

September 30: Tenth Annual Commemorative Battleford Industrial School Cemetery Walk.
This event is hosted by Sunchild Law in partnership with BISCA. 
Begins at 11 a.m., meeting at the Ridge, south of Battleford 
http://www.otc.ca/attend_an_event.html

September 30: Coming Together and Walking Together
Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre, 4602 49 Ave, Lloydminster from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.   http://www.otc.ca/attend_an_event.html

September 30: First Nations and Metis Health Services invites all patients, residents and families to join them for smudging. Refreshments of bannock and water and drumming by Spirit Strong Singers.
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Gathering at north area by therapies, Victoria Hospital, 1200 24 St W, Prince Albert.

September 30: Speeches, Lunch and Opportunity to Commit to TRC
Prince Albert Urban Indigenous Coalition 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Gathering by MMIW monument on the riverbank in Prince Albert.

September 30: First Nations and Métis Health Services invites all patients, visitors and staff to join them to smudge, listen to songs/drumming by Cultural Support Worker Wendell Starblanket and enjoy some bannock. 
Activities will occur every half hour between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. in the FNMHS Healing Center at the Regina General Hospital, 1440 14 Ave, Regina.

September 30: Community Round Dance in support of Truth and Reconciliation Day
Last Mountain Lake Cultural Centre, 133 Donovel Crescent, Regina Beach from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
http://www.otc.ca/attend_an_event.html

September 30: Rock Your Roots: Walk for Reconciliation  CUMFI, 315 Avenue M S, Saskatoon. 
8 a.m. - free pancake breakfast! 
10a.m. - Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation (The Walk will go down 20th Street West, turn right onto Avenue H, and left onto 17th Street West heading to the “Where Our Paths Cross” statue. Golf cart rides between sites will be available for anyone with accessibility issues). 
11 a.m. - Program including artist performances and remarks.
Register here: http://www.beaconnectr.com/orangeshirtday/     
Visit the Office of the Treaty Commissioner website here: http://www.otc.ca/attend_an_event.html

September 30: First Nations and Métis Health Services invites all patients, visitors and staff to join them for drumming and smudge and cookies to follow.
8:45 a.m. out front of St. Paul’s Hospital (SPH), 1702 20th St W, Saskatoon; 10:00 a.m, SPH Contingent walking in the Rock Your Roots.

Virtual events

September 29: Cultural Conversation with Willie Ermine 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.    
Register here. 
To view the recording the next day available SHA staff can go to  MyConnection/MyLearning / search Cultural conversations.