Reconciliation Action Plan
Canadian Blood Services’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is our roadmap for how we work and collaborate with Indigenous employees, donors, registrants, partners, stakeholders and communities.
The commitments and goals laid out in this plan guide us on our ongoing journey of reconciliation with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Through this work, we seek to build and sustain meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, embed Indigenous perspectives within our workplace, and improve representation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples amongst our donor and registrant bases.
Our goals and commitments
Our reconciliation goals have been developed through consultations with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, and Indigenous (and non-Indigenous) Canadian Blood Services employees. The commitments below build on our progress to date and provide important guidance and accountability in our ongoing reconciliation journey.
- We will engage in continuous learning and education about Indigenous cultures and histories, cultural safety and cultural humility.
- We will support the creation of culturally safe spaces and opportunities for dialogue with and among Indigenous employees.
- We will engage with Indigenous peoples, communities and organizations, identify opportunities for collaboration and establish partnerships.
- We will ensure that human resource policies and practices reflect Indigenous perspectives and create a welcoming and supporting environment for Indigenous employees.
- We will develop and adapt communication strategies and campaigns in collaboration with Indigenous peoples and communities, that respect Indigenous perspectives and worldviews.
- We will engage with employees throughout the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan, and measure and communicate outcomes.
Gifts from Indigenous artists
In many Indigenous cultures, the practice of gift giving has unique significance. The tradition shows respect to the receiver of the gift and is a way to show appreciation of knowledge that is exchanged. The artwork below has been gifted to Canadian Blood Services by Indigenous artists to signify that we are ready to begin our truth and reconciliation journey.
Territorial Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that the work of Canadian Blood Services spans many Territories and Treaty areas across the country, and we are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who have guided us in this important work.
We recognize the land and waters that have inspired our work and offer gratitude to those Indigenous peoples on whose territory we work, live and play.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Indigenous staff, community members, Elders and consultants who are guiding us in this critical work. We know that the road to reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment and Canadian Blood Services is devoted to this pathway of humility, awareness, dialogue and action.”
Dr. Graham Sher, CEO
