Each year on September 30th, Canadians observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day to reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools, honour the Survivors, and remember the children who never returned home. It is also a day to acknowledge the ongoing systemic racism and inequities faced by Indigenous Peoples today.
The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) recognizes the deep and lasting impacts and the ongoing health disparities and social injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples. As healthcare professionals, pharmacy professionals have a critical role in building culturally safe, trauma-informed, and inclusive care environments. Reconciliation in pharmacy practice is not a one-time effort, but a continuous process that requires ongoing education, meaningful action, and accountability.
CPhM is committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, particularly calls 18-24 which are related to health and well-being. We are also committed to integrating cultural safety and humility into the core of our regulatory and strategic work. This ensures that pharmacy services in Manitoba are accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all who access them.
In recognition of this important day, CPhM would like to highlight educational resources:
- Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (IPPC): Provides valuable resources for Indigenous pharmacy professionals and information on upcoming events.
- CPhM Professional Development: Mandatory programs for 2023 and 2024 explore Indigenous Peoples’ health, enabling pharmacy professionals to deliver culturally safe care.
- National Indigenous Cultural Safety Learning Series: A national webinar series provides an opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and perspectives in support of collective efforts to strengthen Indigenous cultural safety across sectors
CPhM recognizes that racism in health care continues to have serious and lasting impacts. We acknowledge the harm that the Canadian healthcare system has caused Indigenous Peoples and remain committed to supporting meaningful change. Racism in healthcare is pervasive and harmful. CPhM acknowledges the significant and lasting damage caused by the Canadian healthcare system to Indigenous Peoples. It is a part of CPhM’s shared responsibility to change these systems and support Indigenous-led initiatives that empower communities. Efforts to increase Indigenous representation and leadership within pharmacy practice are actively supported.
Reconciliation in healthcare requires more than just awareness, it demands commitment, self-reflection, and collaboration. Pharmacy professionals have an opportunity to play a transformative role in this process. As pharmacy professionals, your role extends beyond the prescription counter; it encompasses a dedication to healing, equity, and inclusivity.
Not only today, but on an ongoing basis, CPhM encourages everyone to actively participate in this journey. Enhance your cultural understanding , reflect on your role in promoting healthcare equity, and ensure every patient receives the respectful and high-quality care they deserve. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the path to healthcare equity and reconciliation.