![]() The OT TRC Task Force, led by Co-Chairs Angie Phenix and Kaarina Valavaara, delivered its Action Plan in November 2020. The principal objective of the OT TRC Task Force is to: promote leadership within occupational therapy in Canada, develop sustainable and culturally appropriate occupational therapy research, clinical practice, education and foster reconciliation and decolonization of occupational therapy. In June 2019, CAOT’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to convene a TRC Task Force to provide leadership in the development of an action plan for the profession of occupational therapy in Canada. Included below are resources to help OTs, OTAs, students and decision makers reflect on their role and journey towards Truth and Reconciliation and ways to move towards a more just and equal profession. OTs and OTAs are increasingly questioning their role within the broader national discourse of the TRC and the social injustices and health inequities experienced by Indigenous peoples and are looking for resources and guidance on ways to meaningfully take action. ![]() #Irss canada professional#In response, between 20 CAOT undertook several initiatives to advance selected TRC Calls to Action by conducting webinars, publishing a special OT NOW edition focused on the TRC, developing a new Position Statement on OT and Indigenous Peoples’ Health, running Professional Issue Forums (PIFs), establishing the OT TRC Task Force, dedicating extended conference sessions as well as Reflection Days to TRC and collaborating with Occupational Therapy Canada’s (OTC) national partners on TRC calls to action. The last five years have seen the release of important reports such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), as well as the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples report (UNDRIP) enshrined in law in Canada. Occupational Therapists recognize the ongoing strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples to resist colonization and respect Indigenous self-determination and rights. Since March 2020, Indigenous Peoples and their communities have seen existing health issues and inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Indigenous Peoples continue to experience remedial health inequities, including higher rates of infant mortality, chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis, mental illness and substance abuse, as well as a suicide rate that is more than 3 times the national average (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2019). Ongoing and multi-faceted colonial and structural inequities continue to impact the social conditions of Indigenous Peoples’ lives. Occupational therapists (OTs) work alongside Indigenous individuals and communities to identify and develop programs and services that take a compassionate, equitable, culturally safe, holistic and client-centred approach to care. The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) acknowledges and respects the importance of collaboration, partnership and relationship building in working with Indigenous Peoples. Occupational Therapy, Truth & Reconciliation and Indigenous Health Overview ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |