Reflection on Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #19: Closing the Gaps in Health Outcomes
Introduction
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) issued 94 Calls to Action, urging Canadians to address the legacy of residential schools and foster reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. This reflection focuses on Call to Action #19, which calls upon the federal government to:
“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 between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, and to publish annual reports on progress towards closing these gaps.” [Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015]
This call to action highlights the persistent health inequities faced by Indigenous communities in Canada. As a future nurse, upholding Call to Action #19 is crucial to providing culturally safe and equitable care for Indigenous patients.
Meaning and Intent of Call to Action #19
The intent of Call to Action #19 is twofold:
- Identify and Measure Gaps: It emphasizes the need to establish clear metrics to quantify the disparities in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. This includes data on morbidity, mortality rates, access to healthcare services, and prevalence of chronic diseases.
- Close the Gaps: The call to action urges the government to develop a concrete plan and measurable goals to address these identified disparities. This includes improving healthcare access, addressing social determinants of health, and implementing culturally appropriate healthcare models.
Upholding Call to Action #19 as a Future Nurse
As a future nurse, I can uphold Call to Action #19 in several ways:
- Cultural Competency: I will actively seek opportunities to develop cultural competency in Indigenous healthcare. This includes understanding the history and impacts of residential schools, traditional healing practices, and the unique cultural values and beliefs of Indigenous communities [Canadian Nurses Association, 2018].
- Advocacy: I will advocate for culturally appropriate healthcare policies and resources within healthcare institutions. This includes ensuring access to interpreters, culturally safe communication practices, and traditional healing modalities when desired by patients [Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2018].
- Collaboration: I will strive to collaborate with Indigenous patients, communities, and healthcare providers to develop culturally relevant care plans and address their specific health needs [Nestor et al., 2017].
- Lifelong Learning: I recognize that cultural competency is an ongoing journey. I will commit to lifelong learning and stay updated on current research and best practices in Indigenous healthcare.
Impact on Patient Care
Upholding Call to Action #19 will positively impact my care of Indigenous patients in the following ways:
- Building Trust: Culturally competent care fosters trust and rapport between Indigenous patients and healthcare providers. This is essential for effective communication, medication adherence, and improved health outcomes. [Smedley et al., 2003]
- Addressing Social Determinants of Health: By understanding the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect Indigenous communities (poverty, housing, education), I can provide more holistic and patient-centered care.
- Empowerment: Focusing on collaboration and respecting Indigenous knowledge empowers patients to participate actively in their healthcare decisions. This leads to greater ownership and improved health outcomes.
Conclusion
Upholding Call to Action #19 is not just a moral imperative, it’s a crucial step towards achieving health equity for Indigenous peoples in Canada. As a future nurse, I am committed to fostering culturally safe and equitable care for all patients. This includes ongoing learning, collaboration, and advocating for policies that address the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
