At Hearing & Speech Nova Scotia (HSNS), we know that colonialism has caused lasting harm. We want to build real, respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples, especially the Mi’kmaq, in our province. Reconciliation is not just one event; it is something we work on all the time. Our Reconciliation Action Plan shows what steps we will take to respect Indigenous rights, build trust, and provide safe hearing and speech services for everyone.
Recently, the HSNS Board of Directors agreed on a Call to Action.
Enhance accessibility, inclusion, and respect for Indigenous peoples by ensuring culturally safe hearing and speech services, fostering partnerships, and promoting Indigenous voices in healthcare.
It means we want to:
- Make hearing and speech services easier to use and respectful for Indigenous peoples.
- Work with Indigenous communities.
- Listen to Indigenous voices in healthcare.
This Call to Action helped create the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The plan will focus on:
- Commitment to Reconciliation: HSNS wants to build trust and improve services for Indigenous communities, especially the Mi’kmaq
- Working Together: The plan focuses on working closely with Indigenous partners to make services safe and easy to use, fixing past problems.
- Long-Term Work: Reconciliation is a long journey. It takes time, effort, and help from the community.
The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is based on four main parts:
- Governance & Accountability: Making rules and leadership roles to be open and responsible.
- Relationships & Engagement: Building partnerships with Indigenous communities to create services together.
- Culture & Education: Sharing cultural knowledge through training and events.
- Economic & Social Opportunities: Helping Indigenous people get jobs, buy from Indigenous businesses, and support community projects.
Each part has clear steps, timelines, and ways to check progress. This plan is just the start of real change. We will report regularly to stay on track and improve as needed.
The HSNS Board of Directors will lead the work with advice from the HSNS Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Accessibility (EDIRA) Committee, staff, clients, and community groups. The work will be part of the next HSNS strategic plan.
We have also asked Balsam Indigenous Reconciliation Education and Advisory to help us. They will send an expert from a First Nations community in Nova Scotia to guide us.
Our work is guided by the HSNS Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Accessibility (EDIRA) Framework. You can learn more about EDIRA. We will share updates on this page and other materials.