Indigenous Supports

Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network is committed to improving support for all Ontario families who experience the loss of a pregnancy, death of an infant or elective abortion no matter the circumstances that surround that event. We know that different individuals and families experience loss and grief in different ways. Indigenous families who lose a baby or infant or choose an elective abortion can experience additional trauma when available supports are not inclusive and reflective of their experiences and needs.  

Our Commitment

The team at PAIL Network has committed to listening, learning and supporting the needs of Indigenous peoples. Our commitment starts with acknowledging the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s: Calls to Action. This year, our team has committed to Action #22.

Action #22 We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.

PAIL Network commits to advocating for Indigenous families as professionals working in the health-care system to affect change within a system that was made by and for a colonial society.  We commit to our ongoing learning as a team and to intentionally include Indigenous culture in our family support programs, education for professionals, commemorative events, and volunteer training. We not only commit to affecting change within Ontario’s health-care system but also as we live, work,  and play on Indigenous land by offering education and information to spread awareness as we continue listening and learning from Indigenous peoples. The actions we are taking are aligned with our 2020-2023 strategic plan:

Joyce’s Principle

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network is also committed to implementing Joyce’s Principle, ensuring that Indigenous people have equitable access to resources and supports without any discrimination. We recognize and respect Indigenous people’s traditional and living knowledge in all aspects of health.

Joyce’s Principle is inspired by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007), Article 24, which reads as follows:

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to their traditional medicines and to maintain their health practices, including the conservation of their vital medicinal plants, animals and minerals. Indigenous individuals also have the right to access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services.
2. Indigenous individuals have an equal right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

We are actively engaged in ending anti-Indigenous racism, we are working to end systemic racism in health care settings, and we are committed in being an agent of change in society.

Commitment into Action

The actions we are taking to support Indigenous communities are aligned with our 2020-2023 strategic plan:

Family Support

• Creating support for Indigenous families through online peer support groups and resources
• Ensuring families have the hardware to access our online peer support groups

Healthcare Education for Professionals

• Creating support for professionals working in and with Indigenous communities through educational offerings and resources

Awareness and Advocacy

• Include Indigenous culture through our events, programs and volunteer training