The Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) has long recognized the need to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action. We recognize the need to address the legacy of colonization, residential schools, and on-going systemic racism that has led to inequitable population health outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Canada. To this end, and after much internal reflection, we are sharing with you today, our public commitment to improving First Nations, Metis and Inuit health outcomes in Canada by creating the space and support our leaders need to develop their new ways of being.
As humble and reflective lifelong learners, we recognize we are not able to achieve this goal without the guidance of Indigenous healthcare leaders and partners. We also recognize that making this commitment represents the first step on a journey that will transform how CCHL delivers on its mandate to provide the leadership development, tools, knowledge, and networks that members need to become high impact leaders in Canadian healthcare.
As we continue to seek wisdom through consultation and connection with our Indigenous communities, we will work towards ensuring cultural humility and cultural safety as core leadership skills for our members, and that Canadian healthcare leaders are committed to delivering trauma-informed, culturally appropriate care. We will equip our leaders with the tools, resources and relationships to promote culturally safe, equitable and quality care for Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Our organization is in the early stages of our journey, and we want to take the time required to realise progress. For these reasons, we have developed a Commitment to Action. This commitment outlines the areas where we know we have work to do, and it will evolve over time with the guidance and support from Indigenous partners and others.
We invite you to review our complete “Commitment to Improve Health Services Leadership for Indigenous Health in Canada“.
We recognize that as we seek guidance and build partnerships, we may identify additional areas of focus, and need to reconsider our priorities in light of what we learn about the current Indigenous health landscape in Canada and where we can have the most impact. These learnings will be embedded in our Strategic Plan as we progress in our journey over the coming years.
