Unlearning Club ToolKit

Truth and Reconciliation Comission (TRC) – Calls to Action 18, 22, 23, 57

Call to Action 18: We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to acknowledge that the current state of Aboriginal health in Canada is a direct result of previous Canadian government policies, including residential schools, and to recognize and implement the health-care rights of Aboriginal people as identified in international law, constitutional law, and under the Treaties.

Call to Action 22: We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients

Call to Action 23: We call upon all levels of government to:
(i) Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health-care field.
(ii) Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communities.
(iii) Provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals.

Call to Action 57: We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skillsbased training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, LGBTQQIA+ (MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+) – Calls for Justice 2.6, 7.6, 15.2

Call for Justice 2.6: We call upon all governments to educate their citizens about, and to confront and eliminate, racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. To accomplish this, the federal government, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and provincial and territorial governments, must develop and implement an Anti-Racism and Anti-Sexism National Action Plan to end racist and sexualized stereotypes of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. The plan must target the general public as well as public services.

Call for Justice 7.6: We call upon institutions and health service providers to ensure that all persons involved
in the provision of health services to Indigenous Peoples receive ongoing training,
education, and awareness in areas including, but not limited to:
– the history of colonialism in the opression and genocide of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations Peoples;
– anti-bias and anti-racism; local language and culture; and
– local health and healing practices.

Call for Justice 15.2: Decolonize by learning the true history of Canada and Indigenous history in your local area. Learn about and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ history, cultures, pride, and diversity, acknowledging the land you live on and its importance to local Indigenous communities, both historically and today.

In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Healthcare – Recommendation 22

Recommendation 22: That the B.C. government, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples, consider further truth-telling and public education opportunities that build understanding and support for action to address Indigenous-specific racism in the health care system; supplemented by a series of educational resources, including for use in classrooms of all ages and for the public, on the history of Indigenous health and wellness prior to the arrival of Europeans, and since that time.

BC Cultural Safety & Humility Standard – Standard 5.2.2

Standard 5.2.2: The organizational leaders provide regular mantidory anti-racism and cultural safety and humility education and training to the workforce.


U&U Lab Guide to Hosting Unlearning Club”, with Dr Danièle Behn Smith, Dr Kate Jongbloed, Nicole Jules, and Kirsten White (31m14s)

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U&U Guide to Hosting

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Evolving 18-Month Schedules & Materials