A ceremony was held at St. Paul’s Hospital on Friday as part of a commitment to action in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report.
Representatives from the Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) and St. Paul’s Hospital acknowledged the impact the residential school system had on the indigenous population.
“Today we acknowledge the pain, loss and dislocation caused by the residential school system on individuals, families, communities and nations, and know we need to foster and maintain respectful relations with First Nations and Métis people, including our own staff,” said SHR president and CEO Dan Florizone.
“Through our First Nations and Métis health service, we have begun a journey of change in our healthcare system offering many programs and services that demonstrate our commitment, including cultural competency training and workshops.”
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A truth and reconciliation flag was raised during the ceremony to signify an important opportunity to right the wrongs and begin a journey of healing and change. SHR vowed to improve healthcare for aboriginal and Métis people, through added training.
“We’ll build on this relationship that has been formed to commit to you that we’re going to follow through on what we’ve said today, and what we’ve agreed to … We’re going to improve it each and every day,” Florizone said.
SHR and St. Paul’s Hospital also signed a commitment calling for all Canadians to be part of the reconciliation process and address the impacts of the residential school system.