Today, this land is still home to Indigenous peoples, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to meet and work on this territory. We recognize the First Peoples’ continued stewardship of the land and water, and that this territory was subject to the Dish with One Spoon wampum under which multiple nations agreed to care for the land and resources by the Great Lakes in peace.

We acknowledge and recognize the Upper Canada Treaties signed in regards to this land, which include Treaty #29 and Treaty #45 ½, and our roles and shared responsibilities as treaty people committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation, gratitude, and respect with all Indigenous, First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.

HPPH Commitment to Reconciliation Action

Public Health has an important role in protecting and promoting Indigenous Peoples health and wellness in our communities. HPPH acknowledges the need to respectfully incorporate a model of Wholistic Health and Wellbeing recognizing culture as an integral part of healing.

To do this, HPPH is committed to ongoing Reconciliation Action and Indigenous Health Equity informed by a Two-Eyed Seeing Approach and guided by the values of Courage, Honesty, Humility, Respect, Truth, Love, and Wisdom from the 7 Sacred Teachings.

The HPPH Reconciliation Action Plan Includes:

• Building an organizational culture of accountability and humility through ongoing learning and thoughtful policy development.
• Building staff capacity to embed culturally safe practices and deliver culturally safe services using Indigenous-informed approaches and strategies.
• Improving access to public health programs and services by enhancing our HPPH spaces to be welcoming and create a sense of belonging for urban Indigenous community members.
• Acting on opportunities to disrupt colonial practices within and outside our organization.
• Building and fostering meaningful, trusting, and sustainable relationships with Indigenous community members and partners through engagement and building opportunities for collaborative partnerships.
• Respecting an Indigenous Data Governance Model to complete assessments that will inform progress towards Indigenous Health Equity.

November 27, 2024