Indian Residential School System

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this briefing note is to present recommendations to senior management on actions that could be taken by FNHA, in its capacity as a health authority, in the wake of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action report.

BACKGROUND:

Recognizing the damaging impact of the Indian Residential School (IRS) system on former Aboriginal students, their families, and on aboriginal culture, language, and heritage, Canada announced the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) in 2006, to compensate former students and investigate atrocities and abuses suffered through the establishment of the IRS system. It was the largest class action settlement in Canadian history.

As part of that
He acknowledged the damaging impact of the Indian Residential School System on indigenous culture, heritage, and language. The PM renewed Canada’s apology to the Aboriginal peoples and promised to fully implement the TRC Calls to Action.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Since the release of the TRC report, federal, provincial and territorial governments, and other stakeholders have been looking into ways to implement some of the recommendations. Some Canadian universities and provinces have been incorporating Aboriginal history courses into their school curriculums and study programs.

As a health authority concerned with building healthy BC First Nations families and communities, it is expected of the FNHA to also play a role in implementing some of the recommendations. This would mean, working with First Nations communities, other BC health authorities, provincial and federal governments, on recommendations directly related to improving health outcomes.

However, it is important to note that implementation would come with financial obligations that FNHA might have to bear.
FNHA should increase the number of its First Nations health professionals, especially in First Nations communities and ensure their retention.

IV. As a First Nations health and wellness champion in BC, FNHA should continue working with First Nations communities, federal and provincial partners to improve health care coverage and services to BC First Nations, with the aim of closing the gaps in health outcomes. This could include providing extensive physiotherapy and mental health counselling, and coverage of pharmaceutical products that are not currently covered through its health benefits program. A comprehensive review of the current health benefits program and assessment of the financial implication might be necessary.

V. FNHA should work in collaboration with First Nations communities to promote and cover health treatments through aboriginal healing practices for First Nations patients that request this service. Research on the effectiveness and registration process for providers of such treatments might be necessary before embarking on this