Health-care providers play a crucial role in addressing the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples, and contributing to the process of reconciliation. Sinai Health is committed to actively engaging in this work, and improving cultural safety and the delivery of care for Indigenous patients and their families.
That is why Sinai Health invited their people to participate in an eight-week San’yas Anti-racism Indigenous Cultural Safety Training program focused on strengthening knowledge, awareness and skills for providing service to Indigenous Peoples and communities. We had a chance to hear from participants Amal Arab, Mike Ariza and Kerrisha (Sasha) Smith to learn about their experiences.
Amal Arab, Registered Nurse, Mount Sinai Hospital
As a Registered Nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital’s Psychiatry unit, Amal Arab values opportunities that will further her education and training. In university, she learned about Indigenous health but was left wanting to know more. “Participating in this cultural safety program allowed me to gain more knowledge about the current experiences of Indigenous Peoples in health care,” she says. “Educating ourselves is the first step in being able to recognize racism and injustice and advocate for our patients.”
Amal is determined to apply her learnings and make sure each patient feels comfortable and supported. “Ensuring that Indigenous patients are respected and their culture is honoured is something I will carry and implement into my day-to-day life as a nurse,” she adds.
Mike Ariza, Spiritual Care Professional, Mount Sinai Hospital
Mike Ariza hopes he can apply his learnings when providing support to patients and families at Mount Sinai. As a Spiritual Care Professional, he provides emotional, spiritual and religious support to those in need, and plans to incorporate Indigenous ancient wisdom into his practice.
“I hope to be more compassionate and empathetic, and provide care that is culturally sensitive and acknowledges the unique understanding of sickness, disease and healing,” he says, adding that the training program also led him to think about his own personal experiences. “As an immigrant and part of a visible minority, I was surprised to see my own biases and stereotypes as acts of discrimination and racism. By participating in this course, I hope to build a path for reconciliation.”
Kerrisha (Sasha) Smith, Registered Practical Nurse, Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital
As for Sasha Smith, a Registered Practical Nurse in the Transitional Care Unit at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, she wants Indigenous Peoples to feel safe when seeking medical help. “I gained a deeper understanding of Indigenous history, including problems with previous access and encounters with the health-care system. The most surprising aspect was the overt racism still faced by Indigenous Peoples who come to hospitals for help. I hope I will be able to assist our patients in feeling heard, respected and comfortable in our hospital.”
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in honour of Survivors of residential schools and the children who tragically never returned home. It is a reminder of the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples, its lasting impact on communities, and the ongoing need for reconciliation. But as Sasha puts it, everyone has a role to play in restoring relations, “Healing intergenerational trauma is the responsibility of all of us.”