Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission has made 94 Calls to Action. The Calls to Action call on governments, non-government organizations, educators, and the public to do things to achieve reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, by renewing relationships based on mutual understanding and respect.
Many of the Calls to Action apply to Hotıì ts’eeda’s work. Hotıì ts'eeda will be responsive to the Calls to Action.
Specific Calls to Action apply to health and health research (from Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action):
- (19) We call upon the federal government, in consultation with Aboriginal peoples, to establish measurable goals to identify and close the gaps in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, and to publish annual progress reports and assess longterm trends. Such efforts would focus on indicators such as: infant mortality, maternal health, suicide, mental health, addictions, life expectancy, birth rates, infant and child health issues, chronic diseases, illness and injury incidence, and the availability of appropriate health services.
- (20) In order to address the jurisdictional disputes concerning Aboriginal people who do not reside on reserves, we call upon the federal government to recognize, respect, and address the distinct health needs of the Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples.
- (22) We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.
- (23) We call upon all levels of government to:
- i. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health-care field.
- ii. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communities.
- iii. Provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals.