Instructions have been provided: Addressing Indigenous-Specific Racism and Implementing Foundational Obligations to Indigenous Peoples

Introduction: Growing calls to recognize racism as a determinant of health underscores the need for evidence-based tools addressing Indigenous-specific racism in health services, particularly within public health. Indigenous resistance to genocide and assimilation in Canada has led to the current era of truth and reconciliation. Since 2015, a series of national and regional commissions and inquiries have led to the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into law, as well as over 400 recommendations for actions to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism. We call these our “Foundational Obligations to Indigenous Peoples.” This study introduces a tool designed to measure and address these Foundational Obligations, aiming to confront the unmet responsibility public health has to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism. Methods: Within BC’s Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO), we developed a mixed-method tool “Action on Foundational Obligations to Indigenous Peoples Self-Assessment," where participants quantitatively assess their engagement with reports and recommendations related to Indigenous rights and reconciliation. Qualitative insights delve into the reasoning behind rankings, identifying barriers, facilitators, and support needs for upholding Foundational Obligations. Results: The baseline survey in June 2022 revealed substantial variability in awareness and action across the OPHO. Seven pragmatic themes emerged from qualitative data that inform the work to arrest white supremacy & Indigenous-specific racism. Knowledge Translation: To address the gaps in knowledge, a workshop series— 'Foundational Obligations Series'— was created to educate staff on essential reports, acts, and inquiries that offer clear guidance for addressing both Indigenous-specific racism and white supremacy.