On June 21, people across Canada will mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, languages, knowledge, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
For the arthritis community, it is also an opportunity to reflect on our shared responsibility to advance Truth and Reconciliation in health care.
Indigenous Peoples experience a disproportionate burden of arthritis and rheumatic disease yet continue to face significant barriers to accessing culturally safe, equitable, and timely care. These disparities are rooted in historical and ongoing colonial policies and systems that continue to affect health outcomes today.
Arthritis Consumer Experts (ACE) is working alongside Indigenous leaders, researchers, health professionals, and patient organizations through the Arthritis Community Learning Circle (ACLC). Guided by Indigenous leadership, the ACLC was established to create a safe and trusted space for learning, reflection, and action on Truth and Reconciliation within the arthritis community.
In April 2026, Arthritis Action Now, a national strategy developed by 20 Arthritis Ecosystem Champion organizations, released its Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action for Health (#18–24). The document outlines collective acknowledgements, commitments, and actions aimed at improving arthritis care and health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples living with arthritis. The commitments focus on:
- Addressing systemic barriers and health inequities
- Supporting Indigenous leadership and self-determination
- Improving access to arthritis care in Indigenous communities
- Respecting Indigenous healing practices
- Expanding cultural safety education across the arthritis workforce
- Strengthening Indigenous representation in health care and research
At ACE, reconciliation is an ongoing commitment, not a destination. Through the Arthritis Community Learning Circle, educational programming, research, advocacy, and partnerships with Indigenous leaders, we remain committed to learning, listening, and taking meaningful action.
As we recognize National Indigenous Peoples Day, we encourage everyone in the arthritis community to reflect on how they can contribute to a more equitable, culturally safe, and inclusive future for Indigenous Peoples living with arthritis.
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