Today, on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights celebrates the countless contributions and revolutionary work of Indigenous scholars, activists, youth and elders who lead and continue to push forward the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights. In Canada, we also acknowledge and pledge to continue to challenge the myriad ways that colonization manifests in sexual and reproductive health, including through a lack of culturally safe and affirming health care and sexual health education, as well as through discriminatory policies and practices.
For this, we look to the leadership of Indigenous-led organizations like Native Youth Sexual Health Network, FOXY, and the National Indigenous Survivors of Child Welfare Network, among others doing this crucial work.
For information on how non-Indigenous led organizations can implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final recommendations, the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network has created an invaluable toolkit. Click here to download it.