TBRHSC Releases Second Annual Report on Progress in Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commiss
Published Monday, October 6, 2025
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by releasing its second annual report detailing the Hospital's ongoing responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action.
“We are excited to announce the release of our year two report, reaffirming our commitment to the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This report highlights our progress in integrating cultural safety and inclusivity into our health care practices,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, TBRHSC, and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Patients are at the center of everything we do. Our ongoing initiatives demonstrate our commitment to enhancing health outcomes for Indigenous communities and delivering compassionate care to all. We look forward to continuing this vital work. Together, we can build a healthier future grounded in understanding and respect.”
This year's report underscores TBRHSC's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action #24, which emphasizes the importance of providing cultural training for professional staff. This year the report showcases initiatives implemented by various departments at TBRHSC that align with 94 Calls to Action 10, 19, 23, 24, and 83. Additionally, it highlights the work accomplished through partnerships and provides a timeline of Indigenous health initiatives to date.
“I am inspired and humbled by the collaborative work that has strengthened our shared commitment to these Calls to Action. Together, we have deepened our cultural safety training, expanded spiritual and healing practices, and supported the voices of Indigenous-led initiatives,” said Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion at TBRHSC. “This year's report places a significant focus on Call to Action #24, including our goal to ensure that professional staff have the opportunity to complete cultural training. We also highlight several other cultural training initiatives, which reinforce our dedication to fostering a culturally safe and responsive community for all.”
To honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, TBRHSC's Miskwaa Biidaaban department (Indigenous Collaboration) organized a series of events throughout September. These initiatives included the display of community panels from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, an engaging beading opportunity for staff, and an educational session featuring Elder and Residential School Survivor Peter Sackaney. As part of the report's launch and in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the events served not only to recognize Survivors but also to remember those who never made it home.
“We support reconciliation and we are continually working towards creating an environment of inclusion, equity, and compassion at our Hospital. To demonstrate our progress, we are pleased to share our second annual report, which highlights progress to date on the Calls to Action,” said Patricia Lang, Chair, TBRHSC Board of Directors. “Reconciliation begins with acknowledging the truth, and we are dedicated to creating an environment that provides care for each patient and family in a way that resonates with them.”
To read the report, visit https://bit.ly/TBRHSC-TRC-Calls-to-Action
By Gina Fata