Recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, invites us to pause and reflect on the truths of our shared history. We honour the Survivors of residential schools and acknowledge the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect the health of Indigenous Peoples, families, and communities.

For us at Health Research BC, this day is also a reminder that reconciliation is an active process. It calls on us to look honestly at our role within health research and to seek better ways forward in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

Guided by Indigenous colleagues and advisors, we are beginning to take steps to strengthen our understanding and practices in line with our commitments. Our staff are participating in cultural safety and Indigenous data sovereignty training, including San’yas and OCAP. We have created an Unlearning Club as a space for critical dialogue and reflection on racism in health and health research systems. This year, we held our first Indigenous health research review panel, and we are supporting efforts to strengthen Indigenous research ethics so that research respects community self-determination at every stage.

These are early steps, and we know the journey is long. With humility and openness, we remain committed to learning, unlearning, and walking alongside Indigenous Peoples to help shape a health research system that is more just and inclusive.