Just Medicine Podcast Episode 32: Realizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s health-related calls to action
Description
The Just Medicine podcast has released its 32nd episode featuring host Sandra in conversation with Derek K. Thompson – Čaabať Bookwilla | Suhiltun, a member of the diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ – Ditidaht First Nation and Director of Indigenous Engagement at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine. They discuss the role of non-Indigenous medical learners and trainees in realizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action, and especially those that relate to health.
Through stories, history, and insights from his personal and professional experiences, Derek offers listeners practical strategies for honouring the Calls to Action in their work within the health care system. He discusses using trauma-informed approaches to care, creating space for knowledge systems about wellness and healing that go beyond the biomedical, and making an emotional commitment to kindness and understanding.
Tune in as we explore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, and the unique part that you, as medical learners and trainees, play in advancing them.
REDI’s Black Authors Book List
Celebrate the voices and stories of Black authors by exploring our curated book list. These works offer profound insights into the Black experience and its impact on history, culture, and society. Deepen your understanding of racial injustice and resilience, and join us in honoring the legacy of Black writers and their contributions to literature and beyond.
The Beautiful Struggle
by
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies
by Dick Gregory
Washington Black
by Esi Edugyan
The Book of Negroes
by Lawerence Hill
Do Better: Spiritual Activism for Fighting and Healing from White Supremacy
by Rachel Ricketts
Building Networks for Lasting Impact: An Affinity Lunch for Indigenous & Black Staff, Faculty, & Clinical Faculty in the FoM (Feb 2025)
Room Change: This event will now take place in Room 9299.
Indigenous and Black staff, faculty and clinical faculty within the Faculty of Medicine are invited to an affinity lunch on Thursday, Feb 27th, 2025 from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (PDT) at the Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre (DHCC), Vancouver General Hospital, room 9299. This gathering, facilitated by REDI Equity Advisor Madison Tardif, offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange insights, and develop collaborative networks that can drive sustainable change. Connect with colleagues across the Faculty, share your valuable perspectives on future REDI initiatives, and strengthen professional relationships that foster both personal and professional growth. Come ready to inspire and be inspired, and leave with actionable ideas and expanded networks across the Faculty.
This event is specifically for Faculty of Medicine (FoM) staff, faculty and clinical Faculty who identify as Indigenous, Black, Afro-Indigenous, or of Afro-Caribbean descent. For more on the importance of dedicated spaces for IBPOC communities, read this article by Kelsey Blackwell. We appreciate your understanding and support. For questions or concerns, please contact REDI at redi.office@ubc.ca
Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.
Facilitator
Madison Tardif (She/Her/Hers), Equity Advisor,
Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI), Faculty of Medicine
Topic: Building Networks for Lasting Impact: An Affinity Lunch for Indigenous & Black Staff, Faculty, & Clinical Faculty in the FoM
Date: Thursday, Feb 27th, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 2:00 PM (PDT)
Location: Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre (DHCC), room 9299, 2775 Laurel St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9. View VGH Hospital map. Google maps location.
Audience: Faculty of Medicine (FoM) staff, faculty and clinical faculty who identify as Indigenous, Black, Afro-Indigenous, or of Afro-Caribbean descent.
What Will I Gain?
You will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues across the Faculty, be inspired, and leave with actionable ideas and expanded networks that empower sustainable change.
Support learners and colleagues during Ramadan
Written by Catalina Parra
Many Muslim staff, learners and faculty will be observing Ramadan which entails fasting. Those taking part in Ramadan typically have two meals per day. One before the sun rises Suhoor, and iftar which is a fast-breaking evening meal.
As noted by Nour Youssef in an interview to the Ubyssey, “Ramadan gives me some much needed time to sit with myself and reflect on how I spend my time, and the things I value the most. By giving up things that usually seem so essential to us – food and water being the biggest – we are encouraged to replace the time we used to spend on these things with things that are more beneficial to our inner spiritual state. Things that make us better family members, better friends, better worshippers and better humans.”
How to support friends/colleagues observing Ramadan?
- Extend Ramadan greetings such as: Ramadan/Ramzan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem. Arabic sayings that translate to blessed Ramadan and generous Ramadan.
- The end of the month is marked by the new moon and Eid- al – Fitr is celebrated in order to show gratitude for the previous month of reflection. Common greetings are Eid Mubarak and Eid Sa’id which translates to Blessed Eid and Happy Eid.
- Do not be apologetic for eating in front of your friend/colleague while they are fasting. To be more inclusive, avoid organizing events focusing on food during this time of the year (e.g. “lunch and learns” or “coffee hours”).
- If you supervise self-identified Muslim staff, be flexible and mindful when scheduling for time off, events and meetings. Consider flex time options.
- During fasting, Muslims are not allowed to drink water. Be thoughtful of this when scheduling long presentations or meetings.
- Educate yourself and raise awareness in order to create a more inclusive working/learning environment.
- Do not assume every Muslim is fasting. If one of your Muslim colleagues/friends is not fasting it might be due to illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, amongst other reasons. Abstain from asking why.
- Do not treat fasting as suffering. Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan; it is a sacred and deeply personal practice.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Sources
- Ramadan in the Workplace
- Quick guide to Ramadan
- 10 Ways to support our JCU students and colleagues who are observing Ramadan
- What is Ramadan and how to be an ally?
Women’s Memorial March (Feb 14): Honouring the lives of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Join the 34th annual Women’s Memorial March in Vancouver to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+). This is an opportunity to come together to grieve the loss of beloved sisters and relatives in the Downtown Eastside.
Women’s Memorial March in Vancouver
- Date: Friday, February 14, 2025
- 12:00pm public march
- The march includes several stops to commemorate where women were last seen or found, with moments of quiet reflection and traditional medicine practices.
- 12:00pm public march
- Location: Main St and Hastings St, Vancouver
Transportation from UBC is available for Indigenous students on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here. The bus leaves UBC at 11 am. For questions and additional information about the transportation, contact Cody, cody.bugler@ubc.ca. Please note that there will be no programming at the Longhouse.
Non-Indigenous members of the UBC community are welcome to join at the Learning Exchange downtown as a meeting point.