Improving health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples is critical to building a more equitable and effective health care system. When care is accessible, culturally safe, and delivered without discrimination, it leads to better experiences and outcomes – for everyone. Yet persistent inequities remain, and Indigenous Peoples continue to face systemic racism in health care settings.
As part of its 2023-2027 strategic plan, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) has made Indigenous health a priority, with a commitment to addressing longstanding inequities and improving care outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. In recent years, teams have listened, learned, and reflected with humility to build respectful and meaningful relationships – laying the groundwork to respond to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and support lasting change.
This work is paired with a commitment to concrete action and accountability in advancing Indigenous sovereignty over health care. In collaboration with hospital members, Indigenous communities, and partner organizations, efforts are focused on improving access, strengthening care, and supporting better health outcomes. The OHA is committed to leveraging its core services – including advocacy, knowledge translation and data sovereignty – to foster collaboration and shared learning as hospitals pursue their own journeys in Indigenous health.
In recognition of National Indigenous History Month, this issue of Health System News, includes stories highlighting efforts to create culturally safe spaces and build partnerships that honour Indigenous knowledge and healing. These stories reflect a growing movement across the sector and a shared responsibility to act with urgency, humility, and care.
To begin, we invite you to watch a short video message from OHA’s President and CEO, Anthony Dale, who speaks about the association’s commitment to Indigenous health.