Item - 2024.HL9.3

The Board of Health:

1. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to report back to the Board of Health in 2024 on the establishment of an Indigenous Wellness Committee and co-developed action plan, and recommendations on options to resource the action plan, as requested by Indigenous service providers.

2. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to arrange an Indigenous cultural safety training session for the Board in 2024 to build the Board's capacity to respectfully advance Indigenous health and reconciliation through its public health governance mandate.

3. Requested the Chair to call a Special Meeting of the Board of Health in 2024 for the training session referenced in Part 2 above.

The Deputy Medical Officer of Health, the Senior Policy and Strategic Issues Advisor, Toronto Public Health, and the Associate Director, Toronto Public Health gave a presentation on Actions to Advance Indigenous Health.

In May 2016, the Toronto Indigenous Health Advisory Circle (TIHAC) released the Toronto Indigenous Health Strategy, which included recommendations for multiple sectors and partners, including Toronto Public Health and the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network). The Strategy envisioned thriving and healthy Indigenous peoples and communities in Toronto and the transformation of programs and services in the healthcare system and within Toronto Public Health. The launch of the Toronto Indigenous Health Strategy influenced how Toronto Public Health works with Indigenous service providers and the Indigenous community across a range of public health programs.

Over the last several years, there have been numerous calls on federal, provincial, and municipal governments to address the historic trauma and impacts of colonization, such as the residential school system. This includes the use of legislation and government policy to oppress Indigenous cultures, languages, familial structures, and health outcomes. Various reports such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, its 2SLGBTQQIA+ Sub-Working Group, and the voices of Indigenous service providers and community members have raised many recommendations to improve the wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.

In April 2022, City Council adopted the City of Toronto’s (the City) first Reconciliation Action Plan focused on five themes over ten years: Restoring truth, righting relations and sharing power, addressing justice, making financial reparations, and activating the City of Toronto’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. Toronto Public Health has made specific commitments to advancing truth and reconciliation under the plan.

This report provides an update on actions Toronto Public Health is taking in relationships with Indigenous service providers and includes recommendations on opportunities to further advance health outcomes for Indigenous populations.

Toronto Public Health is committed to addressing Indigenous population health inequities and strengthening its programs and services to meet the health needs of the Indigenous population. Toronto Public Health’s commitment will build on City strategies and incorporate recommendations from Indigenous service providers and community members.