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Doretta Harris is Regional Lead of Indigenous Health in Southern Health-Santé Sud and has spent the past 15 years of her career building relationships and health programs intended to improve health care experiences, and ultimately, health outcomes for Indigenous people and communities.

“My life experiences as a First Nations woman have helped to shape who I am, clarified my priorities, and made me stronger and more resilient; but these experiences have also made me more compassionate toward others who face challenges and health disparities,” said Harris.  

“Building an equitable and just health care system that is inclusive and better meets the needs of Indigenous people requires us to place a focus on equity, address and collaboratively work to eliminate racism, increase opportunities for Indigenous peoples to become a part of our health system’s workforce, respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and embed cultural safety in all that we do.”

Within Southern Health-Santé Sud, achieving the organization’s vision of healthier people, healthier communities, thriving together can only be realized when work is done collaboratively, Harris explained.

“Honouring the Blurring the Lines Health Partnership Agreement, offering culturally appropriate health services inclusive of smudge ceremonies and language interpreters, increasing Indigenous representation across all levels of our organization, and providing education and training for non-Indigenous health providers and staff are all key to achieving cultural safety,” Harris added.

Bringing learnings and experience from her past roles across the health system, Harris now leads a regional team responsible for Indigenous partnerships and community engagement, the development and implementation of cultural safety education and training, as well as Indigenous employment and internship programs to increase the representation of Indigenous people in the health workforce.

“As an Indigenous person, I’m determined to continue to work towards improving health care experiences and health outcomes for Indigenous people. That means working with health providers and staff, Indigenous communities, Indigenous-led organizations, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and many other stakeholders. We all have a place and a role and a responsibility to work together to make things better for Indigenous peoples,” said Harris.

Several of Southern Health-Santé Sud’s Indigenous Health programs and initiatives have been nationally recognized as Innovative and Leading Practices with Accreditation Canada, accomplishment made – and sustained – through partnerships and collaboration with Indigenous peoples, for Indigenous peoples and communities.   

“My various roles in the health care system have provided me a unique view of connecting through human acts of courage, kindness and empathy,” said Harris. “It’s both humbling and fulfilling to know that I have been given the privilege of being part of these kind and courageous acts.”

Southern Health-Santé Sud Indigenous Health will continue to widen their circle to include Indigenous peoples and communities, to collaborate on efforts and share knowledge that will improve the health system, patient care experiences, and ultimately, health outcomes for Indigenous people and communities, she added.

Southern Health-Santé Sud strives to build cultural capacity that is integrated across the region’s programs and services. Together with Indigenous peoples and communities, Southern Health-Santé Sud is committed to working towards building a culturally appropriate and culturally safe health care system for everyone. For more information on SH-SS Indigenous Health visit Indigenous Health.

Submitted by: Doretta Harris, Regional Lead Indigenous Health

Healthier people. Healthier communities. Thriving together.
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