Truth & Reconciliation
At St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, our commitment to truth and reconciliation is not just a declaration but a guiding ethos that informs our actions and initiatives. It is our unwavering dedication to acknowledging historical injustices, fostering healing, and actively working toward meaningful change. Truth and reconciliation represent more than an acknowledgment of past wrongs, particularly those inflicted upon Indigenous peoples, but also a proactive effort to address the ongoing impacts of colonization, systemic discrimination, and cultural marginalization. We recognize that this commitment entails engaging with our local Indigenous communities and individuals in a spirit of humility, respect, and collaboration. Ultimately, our organization's commitment to truth and reconciliation is not just a statement—it's a guiding principle that shapes our policies, practices, and interactions. It reflects our belief in the importance of acknowledging past injustices, working towards healing and reconciliation, and building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Our commitment is demonstrated through concrete actions. Please find below the specific Calls to Action that we are currently working on as part of our truth and reconciliation efforts:
Call to Action #22
We recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and are committed to incorporating them into the treatment of Indigenous patients, in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested. To this end, we have designated a Multi-Faith Space with a dedicated Indigenous corner for healing and are implementing a Healthcare and Indigenous Peoples Learning Module for staff.
Call to Action #23
We are dedicated to increasing the representation of Indigenous professionals in the healthcare field and ensuring their retention in Aboriginal communities. As part of this commitment, we have appointed an Indigenous Patient and Family Advisor to our Patient and Family Advisory Council.
Call to Action #83
Acknowledging the importance of Indigenous art in the reconciliation process, we are prioritizing collaborative projects between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists. We feature artwork by specific Indigenous artists such as John Williams, Nancy Deleary, and Renee Jewell as part of our efforts to promote cultural understanding and appreciation.
Call to Action #18
We are actively working to acknowledge and address the impacts of past government policies, including residential schools, on Indigenous health. To this end, we have developed a Land Acknowledgement Guide for our leaders, a Smudging Policy. and display land acknowledgments at each entrance to our facilities.
