Our commitment to reconciliation

Why this work matters

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer recognizes that colonial practices and policies continue to harm the well-being of generations of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, organizations and communities are driving the efforts to improve well-being by developing and implementing their own self-determined, Peoples-specific solutions. Supporting this work is crucial for lasting system change and for closing the gaps in cancer care and outcomes between First Nations, Inuit and Métis and other Canadians.

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, the Partnership supports the implementation of health-related Calls to Action #22-24. These calls focus on increasing access to First Nations, Inuit and Métis healing practices; growing and retaining First Nations, Inuit and Métis healthcare professionals in cancer care; and improving the cultural competency of all healthcare workers. We are also exploring ways to contribute to other Calls to Action, including #19, which calls for measurable goals to close the gaps in health outcomes between First Nations, Inuit and Métis and non-Indigenous communities.

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms Indigenous Peoples’ rights to self-determination, cultural preservation and control over health and social services. We align with these principles by supporting Peoples-specific, self-determined cancer care solutions.

The Partnership supports the implementation of:

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call 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 Calls to Action between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, and to publish annual progress reports and assess long-term 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.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #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.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #23

We call upon all levels of government to:

  1. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health-care field.
  2. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communities.
  3. Provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #24

We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

We are committed to working in a reconciliatory way with First Nations, Inuit and Métis to improve the cancer system by:

  • Implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action
  • Supporting self-determined, regional and Peoples-specific priorities in the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control
  • Supporting partners in their efforts to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients and families
  • Implementing organization-wide approaches and expectations for working in a reconciliatory way with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, organizations, advisors and partners

How we’re putting our commitments into practice

The Reconciliation Pathway (2022–2027) is our current plan for advancing our commitment to reconciliation. Developed in collaboration with the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Advisors and partners, the plan outlines four active goals that guide our work. Some actions are already underway and progress will continue to be shared throughout the five-year cycle. The plan will be refreshed every five years.

How we are actioning our journey

  • Offer ongoing cultural competence and humility training for staff and board members.
  • Share optional learning opportunities, including resources, workshops, and speaker events, to help staff deepen their understanding of reconciliation.
  • Recognize important days of significance, such as National Indigenous History Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and support reflection and participation.
  • Integrate reconciliation into senior leadership and team planning, with individual accountability reflected in performance goals.
  • Expand the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Advisory to include additional Peoples-specific Advisors.
  • Strengthen recruitment and retention strategies to better support First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants and staff.
  • Maintain a commitment to First Nations, Inuit and Métis representation on the Partnership’s Board of Directors, and support reconciliation through governance practices.
  • Support the use of First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses for both personal and professional needs.
  • Build and maintain long-term relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, grounded in mutual respect and shared priorities.
  • Use insights from funded initiative evaluations, partner input, and cultural competence and humility training to improve future initiatives and business processes, such as funding templates, reporting, and vendor engagement.
  • Advance funded initiatives that align with self-determined, regional and Peoples-specific priorities for cancer prevention and care.
  • Support relationship-building among First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, organizations and associations, and with broader health system partners, to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge and advance shared priorities.

Guiding principles

Our work is guided by Principles of Engagement co-developed with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Elders, Advisors and partners. These principles—and the leadership behind them—shape how we build relationships, take action and stay accountable. Learn how these principles guide our work.