Dear BC Renal community,

There are no words to express our horror and grief at the discovery in late May of the remains of 215 children on the former grounds of the Kamloops residential school, on the unceded territory of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc. It is yet another reminder of the need for a collective commitment to anti-colonialism, anti-Indigenous racism and cultural safety and humility.

We know that our health care system continues to perpetuate harm to Indigenous patients, families and health care workers, as detailed in the In Plain Sight report. And we know that we must be accountable for making real change. We are committed to that work, alongside PHSA and our health authority partners, with the guidance of Indigenous governments and organizations, Knowledge Keepers and Elders.

This means looking, listening, learning and leading in every way so that all of our care is culturally safe, appropriate and respectful.

If you haven't done so already, please take a minute to read the joint statement released by all BC health authorities.

Sincerely,

Dr. Adeera Levin
on behalf of the BC Renal leadership team