Dear colleagues,

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 is a day of commemoration, honouring both the Survivors of the residential school system and those children who never came home. 

The ongoing, intergenerational impacts of residential schools on Survivors, families, and communities are difficult to overestimate. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada recognizes the solemn importance of this day for all of us who share this land and its history. We encourage our members to mark the day with reflection, remembrance, and learning.

Reconciliation feels urgent. Health inequities remain striking in Canada. Racism, bias, and discrimination persist, threatening the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples. And distrust in the health care system complicates already-critical access challenges. 

We believe that reconciliation must occur at both the individual and the system levels. As individuals, we can commit to learning — about the past as well as about contemporary issues impacting Indigenous peoples and communities. We can build relationships with Indigenous colleagues and patients. We can commit to recognizing and managing our own biases, and to building trust with open hearts and minds. 

As an organization, the Royal College has carefully considered how to translate our stated commitment to reconciliation into meaningful actions. With the leadership of our Office of Indigenous Health, Indigenous Health Committee, Elders’ Circle, and talented Indigenous educators, we have looked to our core work in accreditation, curriculum design, and assessment as vehicles for change. 

We’ve moved forward new accreditation standards that counter anti-Indigenous racism and support learning environments in which Indigenous residents can thrive. We’ve developed learning resources for residents and practising physicians to provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to deliver compassionate and informed care to Indigenous patients and their families. And we’re exploring how to systematically assess residents on these competencies, understanding that what we assess signals what we value.  

Much work lies ahead. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation reminds us why the work is so necessary, and reaffirms our commitment to a more equitable future.

Sincerely,
Chris

Chris Watling, MD, FRCPC, MMEd, PhD
Chief Executive Officer