Work with Indigenous Communities

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released its final report which included 94 Calls to Action. These Calls to Action offer direction on where systemic change is needed to further reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. 

The College recognized that the first step to “increasing the number of Indigenous professionals working in health care” (specifically occupational therapy), was to understand how many registrants identify as being Indigenous. This would help to establish a baseline that could be monitored over time. 

While the College is not directly involved in recruiting and educating future registrants, we are the only ones in Ontario in a position to count the number of Indigenous occupational therapists who might be working and practising here.

In 2020, the College began asking registrants to self-identify if they are Indigenous. The data we collect could be shared in aggregate with universities, associations, the government and others to inform program development and initiatives. Also, through understanding the Indigenous representation in the profession, we can review our own processes and programs to reduce entry to practice barriers and improve practise resources to meet the unique needs of Indigenous occupational therapists.

Several registrants that identified as Indigenous expressed an interest in speaking with the College about their experiences as Indigenous occupational therapists and to discuss our Truth and Reconciliation activities. 

In 2021, the College formed our Indigenous Insights Panel. The Panel became the Indigenous Insights Advisory Committee in 2024. Committee members are Indigenous, or have experience working with Indigenous Peoples or in Indigenous communities.

The Committee has a mandate to provide advice to the College about how occupational therapists in Ontario might: 

 

• Address the distinct health needs of Indigenous peoples. 
• Influence health outcomes and indicators identified in the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – Calls to Action for Health  
• Have impact on healthcare rights of Indigenous people identified by treaties and laws. 
• Recognize the value of Indigenous healing practices and create practice guidance for occupational therapists in the treatment of Indigenous patients in collaboration with Indigenous Healers and Elders. 
• Develop culturally safer relationships and anti-racist, ethical spaces.  
• Encourage the education, recruitment, and retention of Indigenous occupational therapists to serve Indigenous communities and provide culturally competent mentorship for other OTs 

The Committee is helping the College to listen, learn and incorporate Indigenous perspectives and needs into the work we do. They have provided input of great value on College policies, standards and other projects, such as the Culture, Equity, and Justice in Occupational Therapy document, new Standards for Practice, and scenarios for the upcoming Competencies for Occupational Therapists national eLearning module.

Collaboration and conversation continue to evolve as we actively seek diverse input and perspectives.

If you’re looking for services or support, 211 Ontario has a list of available resources for both members of the public and registrants of the College. Their extensive database connects people to programs and services across the province, including those focused on Indigenous communities.

211 Ontario’s Indigenous Peoples section includes programs for counselling, health, housing, legal support, education, crisis services and more. Registrants can also use 211 to help connect clients with local programs and services. You can access 211 online, by phone, text, email, or chat for personalized assistance.

Visit 211ontario.ca to get started.