The Government of the Northwest Territories has acknowledged the role that residential school policies have played in contributing to health disparities for Indigenous peoples.
“Caring for Our People – Cultural Safety Action Plan”
As part of the Department of Health and Social Services’ official release of the “Caring for Our People: Cultural Safety Action Plan 2018-2020” today, a Declaration of Commitment was signed to embed cultural safety within the Northwest Territories’ health and social services system. Through the implementation of the Cultural Safety Action Plan, the Government of the Northwest Territories aims to improve the health outcomes Indigenous residents and all Northerners.
An engagement process with Indigenous and northern residents, including health and social services clients, the NTHSSA Leadership Council, Regional Wellness Councils, and non-government organizations, four objectives were identified for the Action Plan.
- Creating an organizational culture of cultural safety.
- Strengthening staff capacity for cultural safety.
- Honouring traditional knowledge and healing approaches in care.
- Improving client and community experience.
After the National Dialogue on Anti-Indigenous Racism in Healthcare held on June 28-29, Julie Green, the MInister of Health and Social Services referenced the Critical Incident Investigation Report Action Plan Recommendations 2020-21: “We are embedding cultural safety throughout the health and social services system by:
- strengthening staff capacity for cultural safety;
- honouring traditional knowledge and healing approaches in care; and
- improving client and community experiences.