Addressing TRC calls to action is vital responsibility
Since the tabling of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s 94 Calls to Action in 2015, there has been a mandate for all of Canada to engage in reconciliation efforts. The genomics community also needs to heed that call and work towards delivering benefits from these tools and technologies that meet Indigenous needs and priorities. Genome Canada and the Enterprise are working towards Indigenous engagement based on the recognition of rights, respect, self-determination and partnership as the foundation for transformative change. Our support for SING Canada has helped build Indigenous capacity and scientific literacy as well as creating postsecondary and career pathways in genomics, bioinformatics and Indigenous bioethics. Projects like Silent Genomes are reducing disparities and improving diagnostics success to align Canadian health systems with Indigenous healthcare needs. BEARWATCH and Sustainable Fisheries in Nunavummiut are combining traditional ecological knowledge with genomics technologies to support environmental sustainability, food security and economic opportunity. Continuing to develop our support for full and effective participation of Indigenous peoples in genomics is crucial to advance a distinctions-based, inclusive genomics agenda in Canada.
With collaboration across the Canadian Genomics Enterprise.