The Alberta Medical Association recognizes September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). This day, which is also known as Orange Shirt Day, honours the untold number of children who were subjected to the horrors of the residential school system. We remember the children who never returned, the children who were forever changed and the families and communities across Canada who continue to live with the devastating impact of this tragic legacy. We also pause to reflect on our reconciliation journey and the importance of moving from words to action.
June 2025 marked the tenth anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report and the accompanying 94 Calls to Action, seven of which focused on health. A decade after those calls to action, the need for action on Indigenous health has never been more urgent, especially here in Alberta. Recent studies have shown that First Nations males have a life expectancy that is almost two decades shorter than that of Non-Indigenous Albertans. It is a staggering discrepancy that speaks to the ongoing, systemic health inequities and barriers to care that so many Indigenous Peoples face.
Guided by our Policy Statement on Indigenous Health, the AMA remains committed to improving health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. This past year, we saw the creation of the AMA’s Section of Indigenous Health – the first in Canada – which will help physicians who care for Indigenous Peoples advocate for ways to improve health outcomes and share what they see and experience within our health care system. It is an important step in our reconciliation journey.
On this NDTR, the AMA encourages members and staff to look for ways to become better allies to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Allyship can take many forms, and can be as simple as wearing an orange shirt or experiencing Indigenous art, culture and literature. Make time to learn more about the history and legacy of residential schools and watch the Unforgotten, a five-part anthology film developed in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association. You can also consider exploring NDTR events happening in your community.
The AMA will observe September 30th as a statutory holiday and encourages everyone to honour NDTR as a day of remembrance and reflection. We recognize that this day can be difficult for many Indigenous Peoples. If you are struggling, please call the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.