FLAG-RAISING SHOWS A COMMITMENT TO BETTER HEALTHCARE FOR FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS PEOPLE

St. Paul's Hospital raised the Truth and Reconciliation flag during a historic ceremony at on October 14, 2016. The flag-raising symbolized St Paul’s Hospital’s and Saskatoon Health Region’s commitment to action to the federal Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report.

During the ceremony, St. Paul’s Hospital and Saskatoon Health Region signed Commitments to Action in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, calling for all Canadians to be part of the Reconciliation process to address the devastating impacts of the Residential School system on the health and well-being of First Nations and Métis people.

Jean Morrison, St. Paul’s Hospital President and CEO, says the flag is a visible acknowledgement that we are all on Treaty Six land, and a symbolic expression of the Hospital’s deep commitment to the healing that is required in our community.

“Our Hospital has always provided services to a large proportion of First Nations and Métis patients, and we are committed to fostering respectful and equitable care that addresses emotional, physical, mental and spiritual healing in an environment that is welcoming to family and community,” Morrison says.

For Shirley Isbister, President of Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), the flag-raising was an important step towards the emotional, mental and spiritual healing that must occur.

“For so long, the Métis story with Canadian residential schools was not recognized. The hurt and harm our people experienced was very real and we continue today to feel the impact in our community,” Isbister says. “We are so pleased by this clear demonstration of commitment and look forward to continued partnership in finding meaningful ways to implement change in order to create a culturally safe health care system for all of Saskatchewan’s people.”

The ceremony came as a result of collaboration between St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon Health Region, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Saskatoon City Police, City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, CUMFI and Office of the Treaty Commissioner.

St. Paul's Hospital President and CEO Jean Morrison speaks to the crowd and signs the Commitment to Action in Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Report in front of a crowd of community members on the front lawn of St. Paul's Hospital on October 14, 2016.