Decolonizing & Indigenizing the Network
As a national health organization dedicated to promoting the safe and appropriate use of medicines for all people in Canada, our network occupies a privileged position and holds a profound responsibility to contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Recognizing the health disparities faced by Indigenous communities, and the lack of research and resources on safe and appropriate medication use co-created with and for Indigenous Peoples, we began in 2023 to map out how we can meaningfully contribute to change.
We are deeply grateful to our Indigenization Working Group for guiding this work from the very beginning, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in the Four Rs of Respect, Reciprocity, Relevance, and Responsibility.
Our Action Plan
The first major initiative of our Indigenization Working Group was to develop a report and action plan to guide our efforts. Over several months, the group collaborated closely with network staff and leadership to identify concrete actions we can take to contribute to reconciliation. These recommendations are outlined in the report, Decolonizing and Indigenizing Medication Appropriateness in Canada: Recommendations for a Network Action Plan, published in March 2024.
This report represents a significant step in our commitment to reconciliation, encompassing the vision, guiding principles, and a 5-year action plan for decolonizing and Indigenizing the network. Building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities across the country is at the heart of this plan.
While we acknowledge that this recommended action plan may evolve as we continue to learn and build relationships, our intention is to make it our road map. We are committed to promoting safe and appropriate medication use by advocating for culturally safe care that supports a holistic approach to health in Indigenous communities—in actions guided by the needs and priorities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
Sharing Circle Report: Indigenous Perspectives on Medication Use and Safety
In 2025, the network’s Indigenization Working Group hosted four Sharing Circles to learn about the needs, gaps, priorities, and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples regarding medication use and safety.
The first Circle—Medication Safety and Appropriateness in the Eyes of Indigenous Health Professionals—was organized in partnership with the Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada and held in Edmonton with a hybrid option. Fifteen Indigenous pharmacists, nurses, care liaisons, students, and one Elder gathered to reflect, share stories, and offer perspectives.
Participants explored two core themes: (1) current realities and perspectives on medication use and safety, and (2) ideas and opportunities for co-creation. This report highlights the key themes that emerged from those discussions.
Are you interested in collaborating with us to decolonize and Indigenize medication appropriateness in Canada? Get in touch!