September 30 marks the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, Canadians commemorate the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools. This day of remembrance serves as a vital component of the reconciliation process.
In 2008, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was formed, providing those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the residential schools policy with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. In 2015, the Commission released its final report, detailing 94 calls to action. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration.
To honour this day and in response to Call to Action 24, Continuing Professional Development for Pharmacy Professionals (CPDPP), in collaboration with Alberta College of Pharmacy, Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals, and College of Pharmacists of Manitoba developed an informative and meaningful learning experience. This learning experience was developed with Len Pierre Consulting. As a multidisciplinary team of consultants and facilitators, Len Pierre Consulting advises and trains teams on Indigenous cultural safety, reconciliation, decolonization, and anti-racism.
This Indigenous Trauma and Equity-Informed Practice training includes a webinar and workshop, both scheduled for September 30, 2022. Both of these learning opportunities relate to topics presented in the 2022-23 prescribed learning activity and can be claimed as continuing education units (CEUs). The webinar is open to all pharmacy professionals, students, and staff who support the practice of pharmacy.
There are significant health disparities and inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples within Canada. Creating culturally safe environments is one strategy pharmacy professionals can incorporate into their workplace and daily practice to combat the causes and effects of disparities and inequalities. Participating in the Indigenous Trauma and Equity-Informed Practice training is an opportunity for registrants to gain knowledge and skills to offer culturally sensitive, respectful, person-centred care, in alignment with the professionalism framework, and in a space where people feel secure and supported and free to draw strength from their identity, culture, and community.
All Canadians are also encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
