Actions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

 

In this session the CAPWHN Advocacy and Health Policy Committee (AHPC) will provide an overview of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC): Calls to Action (2015) related to perinatal and women’s health.

 

In 2015, the AHPC chose Aboriginal Women’s Health as an initiative to highlight in our national committee. One of the committee’s key actions was to develop a position statement on cultural safety and humility. The committee collaborated with the Canadian Indigenous Nursing Association (CINA) to develop the position statement, which was finalized and released in June 2017.

 

This session shares CAPWHN’s Position Statement on Cultural Safety/Humility, which can assist nurses in discussing strategies to improve knowledge, skills, and behaviours related to health. The position statement assists in building health care professionals’ awareness and understanding of cultural safety and humility to construct relationships with Indigenous people and each other to improve care experiences while recognizing the historical treatment of Indigenous People of Canada by mainstream society including nurses. The position statement outlines the Canadian treatment of Indigenous people and seeks to address the role nurses can play in implementing the TRC recommendations (www.trc.ca) by committing to practice in a culturally safe and humble way. Through this, we can support the road to healing through the journey of Truth and Reconciliation for the Indigenous People of Canada, while acknowledging the past, present and future to build capacity for the health and wellbeing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize how Indigenous people are self-reliant, vibrant, healthy people following the historical and present effects of colonization such as Indian Residential Schools, Indian Hospitals, and the 60s scoop.
• Explore the impact of the TRC: Calls to Action (2015) recommendations that pertain to perinatal and women’s health.
• Share the CAPWHN Position Statement on Cultural Safety/Humility in response to the TRC: Calls to Action (2015).
• Develop and commit to individual and organizational strategies for reconciliation and building relationships to improve health and wellness.

 

Presenters:

Leah Thorp, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Treaty 4 Territory, BScN, MN, RN, PNC(C), Coordinator Perinatal Outreach Education Program, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region in the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Regina SK, and

Lucy Barney, Titqet Nation, RN, BSN, MSN, Provincial Lead, Aboriginal Health, Perinatal Services BC and Perinatal Specialist, First Nations Health Authority, Vancouver BC

 

Leah is a registered nurse and coordinator of the Perinatal Outreach Education Program which collaborates with the Saskatchewan Perinatal Edcuation Program to coordinate and deliver evidence-based educational programs for health care professionals. Leah is currently the RN representative on the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) Indigeneous Women’s Health Committee and co-chair of the CAPWHN Advocacy and Health Policy Committee. Leah has enjoyed assisting women and families in birth for the last 17 years. In her coordinator role, the capacity to assist many health care providers, women, babies, and families has expanded and provided a valuable perspective of perinatal care. Her passion for Indigeneous health stems from the inequities she witnesses throughout Saskatchewan. It is her goal to build relationships and collaborate to improve outcomes and health within the child bearing years.

 

Lucy is at the forefront of developing innovative and successful programming for Aboriginal people. She works on strategies to assist existing programs and to develop new programs for maternal/child health that will enable Aboriginal people to access culturally appropriate services. Lucy’s own life experience as a First Nation woman, mother, and traditional dancer brings enormous commitment, dedication, and creativity to her work. Her voice as a leader is crucial. She is a model of strong, innovative leadership in the Aboriginal community. She was awarded an ACCOLAIDS Award for Innovative Programming and a Langara College Outstanding Alumni Award for Community Service. Lucy completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of British Columbia. She was program manager of Chee Mamuk, an Aboriginal HIV/AIDS education program at the BC Centre for Disease Control, for nine years and is also working with the First Nations Health Authority Maternal and Child Health Wellness Department.

 

Lucy Barney, Leah Thorp, and Sarah Reaburn, along with the CAPWHN Advocacy and Health Policy Committee and the CAPWHN Board of Directors contibuted to the development of the CAPWHN Position Statement on Cultural Safety/Humility.

Leah is a registered nurse and coordinator of the Perinatal Outreach Education Program which collaborates with the Saskatchewan Perinatal Edcuation Program to coordinate and deliver evidence-based educational programs for health care professionals. Leah is currently the RN representative on the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) Indigeneous Women’s Health Committee and co-chair of the CAPWHN Advocacy and Health Policy Committee. Leah has enjoyed assisting women and families in birth for the last 17 years. In her coordinator role, the capacity to assist many health care providers, women, babies, and families has expanded and provided a valuable perspective of perinatal care. Her passion for Indigeneous health stems from the inequities she witnesses throughout Saskatchewan. It is her goal to build relationships and collaborate to improve outcomes and health within the child bearing years.

 

Lucy is at the forefront of developing innovative and successful programming for Aboriginal people. She works on strategies to assist existing programs and to develop new programs for maternal/child health that will enable Aboriginal people to access culturally appropriate services. Lucy’s own life experience as a First Nation woman, mother, and traditional dancer brings enormous commitment, dedication, and creativity to her work. Her voice as a leader is crucial. She is a model of strong, innovative leadership in the Aboriginal community. She was awarded an ACCOLAIDS Award for Innovative Programming and a Langara College Outstanding Alumni Award for Community Service. Lucy completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of British Columbia. She was program manager of Chee Mamuk, an Aboriginal HIV/AIDS education program at the BC Centre for Disease Control, for nine years and is also working with the First Nations Health Authority Maternal and Child Health Wellness Department.

 

Lucy Barney, Leah Thorp, and Sarah Reaburn, along with the CAPWHN Advocacy and Health Policy Committee and the CAPWHN Board of Directors contibuted to the development of the CAPWHN Position Statement on Cultural Safety/Humility.