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Action Plan
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action challenge healthcare organizations to address the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and work alongside Indigenous Peoples to create equitable, culturally safe health systems.
At WHCA, reconciliation is not a project or a destination. It is an ongoing commitment to learning, relationship-building, accountability, and action.
Call to Action #18
Recognize and Address Indigenous Health Inequities
What it means: Indigenous Peoples continue to experience poorer health outcomes due to historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, residential schools, systemic racism, and barriers to accessing care. Health systems must acknowledge these inequities and actively work to eliminate them.
How WHCA is responding
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Recognizing Indigenous health equity as a strategic priority across WHCA and our Family Health Team partners
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Working with Indigenous advisors and community partners to better understand local needs and priorities
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Supporting culturally safe care models that reflect Indigenous perspectives and experiences
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Implementation of a Truth and Reconciliation framework that will embed reconciliation into organizational planning and decision-making. This framework will be guided by the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing in all that we do
Call to Action #19
Close the Gaps in Health Outcomes
What it means: Governments and healthcare organizations must work to eliminate gaps in health status between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
How WHCA is responding
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Partnering with the Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team and Family Health Teams to improve access to services for Indigenous patients
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Supporting Indigenous-focused health initiatives, including culturally safe Indigenous Foot Care Clinics delivered through community partnerships
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Using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that brings together Indigenous knowledge and Western evidence to strengthen care delivery
Call to Action #20
Respect Indigenous Healing Practices
What it means: Healthcare organizations must recognize and respect Indigenous healing practices and support patients who wish to access traditional approaches to health and wellness.
How WHCA is responding
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Learning from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and community partners about Indigenous perspectives on health and healing
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Creating opportunities for Indigenous cultural practices to inform care experiences and service design
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Ensuring Indigenous voices are included in conversations about policy, education, and service development
Call to Action #21
Increase Indigenous Representation and Participation
What it means: Indigenous Peoples must have a meaningful voice in the planning, design, delivery, and evaluation of health services.
How WHCA is responding
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Facilitating listening circles and relationship-building sessions with Indigenous partners and communities
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Seeking Indigenous guidance in the development of policies, education, and organizational initiatives
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Committing to co-design approaches that ensure Indigenous perspectives help shape decisions that impact Indigenous patients and communities
Call to Action #22
Recognize the Value of Indigenous Knowledge
What it means: Healthcare systems should acknowledge Indigenous knowledge systems as valid and important sources of wisdom in improving health and wellness.
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Applying a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that values both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing
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Building partnerships that allow Indigenous knowledge to guide organizational learning and service improvement
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Ensuring Indigenous perspectives are respected and reflected in reconciliation initiatives across the organization
Call to Action #23
Increase Cultural Competency and Indigenous Representation in Healthcare
What it means: Healthcare providers must receive education about Indigenous history, treaties, residential schools, systemic racism, and cultural safety.
How WHCA is responding
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Providing education for leaders, staff, physicians, and volunteers on Indigenous history, cultural safety, and reconciliation
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Supporting learning opportunities facilitated by Indigenous educators and community partners
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Encouraging healthcare providers to deepen their understanding of Indigenous experiences and respectfully challenge stereotypes and bias
Call to Action #24
Ensure Healthcare Professionals Understand Indigenous Issues
What it means: Healthcare professionals should develop an understanding of Indigenous rights, treaties, Indigenous health issues, and Indigenous approaches to care.
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Integrating Indigenous learning opportunities into leadership, governance, and staff development
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Supporting board and leadership education to strengthen understanding of Indigenous rights, relationships, and reconciliation
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Embedding reconciliation principles into governance, policy development, strategic planning, and quality improvement activities