Saskatoon Health Region CEO Dan Florizone speaking at a flag raising event in Saskatoon. Photo by Joel Willick.
The Saskatoon Health Region is committing to a better healthcare system for First Nations and Metis People.
On Friday morning, head officials from the health region and St. Paul’s Hospital signed a statement of commitment in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Saskatoon Health Region CEO Dan Florizone says the health region has made mistakes in the past, but now they are committed to the TRC Calls to Action.
“Today we acknowledge the pain and loss caused by the residential school system,” says Florizone. “We know this is only the beginning and we recognize we have much to do and that we need to improve in these areas to help achieve better health for all First Nations and Metis people.”
Also during the signing ceremony, a Truth and Reconciliation flag was raised above St. Paul’s Hospital.
“(The flag) is symbolic of our hospital’s deep commitment to and acknowledgement of the healing that is required in our community,” says Jean Morrision, president and CEO of St. Paul’s Hospital.
Several leaders and representatives were in attendance from different First Nation and Metis organizations.
For FSIN Vice-Chief Robert Merasty, this is where the “rubber hits the road.”
“It feels good that we are doing this and we are getting it right,” he says.
Saskatoon Tribal Council chief Felix Thomas says today’s event is a continuation of what he calls a reconciliation movement across the city.
“Reconciliation is not a one day thing, we have to keep having these events, discussing what’s going on and why we are reconciling,” he says.
Nearly two hundred people braved the cold morning to sit outside for over an hour during the ceremony and flag raising.