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Commitment to Reconciliation

RCCbc recognizes the negative impact colonialism has had—and continues to have—on Indigenous communities. We are committed to truth and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, families, and individuals in rural and remote communities in British Columbia.

In all our work, including programs, communications, and partnerships, we are committed to:

  • Fostering lasting and healthy partnerships with Indigenous Peoples to center Indigenous ways of being and knowing in our work, aligning with the values of the people we support.
  • Engaging with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Cultural Advisors, and traditional wellness healers to seek guidance in our work in supporting health equity for communities.
  • Implementing changes within our network to address cultural safety and humility, and confronting anti-Indigenous racism by ensuring ongoing learning, critical self-reflection, and cultivating safe spaces to have conversations and reflect.
  • Honoring the interconnectedness between people and the land by deepening our responsibility to care for Mother Earth. This includes recognizing the land as a living relative and committing to reciprocal relationships with the natural world—grounded in respect, regeneration, and sustainability.
  • Encouraging resilience in our communities and within ourselves by learning from and embodying Indigenous teachings that emphasize balance, responsibility, and stewardship of all living systems.
  • We will actively address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in our work and provide transparent reports on how that work is being advanced.

Partners in reconciliation

Our partners in this work include:First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, BC Métis Federation, Team Atleo, Harley Eagle, Bianca Mitchell, and several Elders. 

Our action on reconciliation

These are some of the actions we’ve taken to contribute to the process of reconciliation:  

  • RCCbc for Inclusion, Social Justice and Equity (RISE)
    We established this reference group, led by Drs. Todd Alec and Terri Aldred, to foster network relationships, support continued learning and growth, and champion the application of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action at RCCbc. 

Indigenous-led or co-created health projects & initiatives at RCCbc

  • Indigenous Physicians Network
    The Indigenous Physicians Network engages and provides opportunities for connection among Indigenous students, residents, physicians and health allies across British Columbia. 
  • Compassionate Leadership
    The Compassionate Leadership Community of Practice and its training program is led by Shawn and Heather Atleo. The training is grounded in Indigenous and Western pedagogy and instills connective, empathic skills in rural health leaders.
  • Rural Site Visits
    An Indigenous research consultant guides the Rural Site Visits team in incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing, being and thinking into its operations, community engagement practices and research.
  • Real-Time Virtual Support
    In partnership with First Nations Health Authority, Real-Time Virtual Support offers numerous virtual clinical pathways for healthcare providers and patients in Indigenous communities to enhance access to timely, quality, culturally safe healthcare services.
  • UBC Rural Continuing Professional Development
    RCCbc contributes to the work of UBC Rural Continuing Professional Development’s Rural CPD Indigenous Patient-Led CPD program, which brings rural Indigenous community members and rural physicians together for Nation-led cultural safety education.  

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