June is Indigenous History Month and June 21 is Indigenous Peoples Day—both are opportunities to honour and expand our understanding of First Nations, Inuit and Métis People, their experiences, and their stories. Learning about Indigenous cultures is essential in advancing Reconciliation.

Since 2021, CPSM has been committed to Reconciliation by first, recognizing and understanding the historical mistreatment Indigenous People when receiving medical care in Manitoba. This process has involved listening to the lived experiences of Indigenous People who form the CPSM Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Circle. The goal of the Advisory Circle is to guide our path forward to correct past and present wrongdoings and eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in medical practice. 

Our journey towards Reconciliation is ongoing. We are actively implementing the seven recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Circle. Two significant initiatives are in development: mandatory Indigenous-specific anti-racism training and a Standard of Practice. The Standard will be conceptually different from the Standards you are accustomed to; it is being developed as a tool for registrants to use to prevent Indigenous racism.

To understand the need for these tools, one must first understand the need for change, which begins with awareness of the history, unique cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis People.

There will be more information about the initiatives and consultation in the near future, but this month we invite you to take some time to immerse yourself in Indigenous art, culture, and history. To honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis People’s tradition of passing down knowledge through stories and voices, we’ve listed some resources to listen, watch, or read below to get you started.