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Orange Shirt Day and Indigenous Health

Our goal is to provide patients and families with the best possible healthcare experiences. In order to do that, we need to understand the unique culture and perspective of the various peoples we serve.

This includes the 220,700 Albertans who self-identify as Indigenous, making Alberta home to the third-largest Indigenous population in Canada.

It is important to honour, recognize and celebrate the strengths and resilience of the First Peoples of this land. By focusing on these and building greater understanding and awareness, we can build a better and more inclusive health system.

Reconciliation is also an important part of building understanding. Orange Shirt Day, which is next Wednesday, is as an opportunity for us to show a personal commitment to reconciliation and creating culturally safe environments for Indigenous patients and families.

Wearing an orange shirt is meant to recognize the harm done to residential school students, and show a commitment to the principle that every child matters.

Joining me today to tell us more about this event and Indigenous Health are:

  • Marty Landrie, executive director, Indigenous Health
  • Shannon Dunfield, manager of Indigenous Health and Diversity in the North Zone
  • Simon Ross, a senior advisor with the Cultural Competency team

Marty, Shannon and Simon share their thoughts on Orange Shirt Day, how we can create a culturally safe environment, and how we work with Indigenous communities.