The Canadian Public Health Association is the independent national voice and trusted advocate for public health, speaking up for people and populations to all levels of government.
Policy Statement: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, October, 2019
CPHA acknowledges that health is a basic human right and the Association takes a public health approach to achieve health for all. A public health approach aligns with the need to adopt culturally appropriate practices for meaningful relationship- building with Indigenous Peoples…When building relationships with Indigenous partners, CPHA recognizes and respects the diverse knowledge systems of Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous ways will be equally valued and interwoven with public health approaches.
The 2015 final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) put forward 94 Calls to Action that frame the national processes of reconciliation.1 These Calls to Action directly impact many pathways for improved health of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, including land, economy, culture, health, education, law, and governance.
POLICY GOAL
CPHA envisions a future when reconciliation is meaningfully embedded in all aspects of its work and the Association establishes and maintains relationships with Indigenous Peoples based on mutual respect, trust, and dialogue.
PRINCIPLES
In support of its policy goal, CPHA upholds the following principles:
- Public health is based on respect for the well-
- being of all people and their intricate links to the natural environment.
- The realization of TRC Calls to Action and the implementation of the articles of UNDRIP are essential to the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
- The jurisdictional and legal context of treaties and the rights of Indigenous Peoples are relevant to the implementation of effective public health services.
- Indigenous law and governance systems are recognized and upheld.
- The rights, knowledge, protocols, and traditions of Indigenous Peoples are respected.
- Indigenous Peoples are encouraged and supported to train for and work in public health, and celebrate the strengths, skills, and knowledge they bring to the profession.
- The diversity of Indigenous Peoples and their right to self-determination are inviolable.