Statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

This September 30 marks the sixth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the 13th Orange Shirt Day, which recognize the devastating legacy of residential schools and the ongoing impacts of colonization and racism on Indigenous Peoples.

While this day is an important opportunity to remember the victims, Survivors, families and communities affected by residential schools, truth and reconciliation cannot be confined to one day. Reconciliation is a year-round responsibility, and meaningful progress requires sustained action.

With continued racism against Indigenous people and efforts to deny or minimize the history of residential schools, it is more important than ever for CPSBC to reaffirm its commitment to truth and reconciliation. As a health regulator, we have a responsibility to examine the ways our own processes can create barriers for Indigenous people and take action to ensure that Indigenous patients can access culturally safe health care.

This year, the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-racism public resource was published to help Indigenous patients understand what they can expect from CPSBC licensees when accessing care. We worked closely with a group of Indigenous partners to create supporting materials that build on this resource, including new a co-developed one-page companion guide that will be published in October.

We have also taken steps to strengthen how Indigenous perspectives are incorporated into our regulatory processes. The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) took effect in April and brought a new governance structure for CPSBC. At its first meeting, our new board committed to continuing CPSBC’s work to advance truth and reconciliation in an oath of office ceremony. CPSBC also established an Indigenous Advisory Working Group to provide guidance as new regulatory standards are developed.

We continue to implement changes to the complaints process following the 2023 critical review that examined ways to make the process safer for Indigenous patients and families. Of the 11 recommendations identified in the review, seven have been completed and four are in progress. More information is available in the third progress report.

Meaningful change also requires continued learning. Last week, CPSBC staff had the opportunity to attend a learning session, The Journey of Reconciliation Begins With You. The session was led by guest speaker KwinKwinXwaligedzi-Wakas - Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, one of the hereditary chiefs of the Gwawaenuk Tribe and a peace builder dedicated to reconciliation in Canada.

Looking ahead, CPSBC is dedicated to building on the progress made to date and identifying further opportunities to advance reconciliation. We invite you to watch this video, released in December 2025 to recognize the tenth anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report being accepted by the Government of Canada. The video acknowledges the past, reflects on our present actions, and reaffirms our commitment to address past harms to Indigenous Peoples and build for the future.

View a PDF version.