b'INDIGENOUS HEALTHCAREsovereignty,culturalpreservation and community well-being. However, they emphasize that businesses also have a critical role to play in driving this change. The systemic racism that plagues Canadas healthcare system isnt just a moral failing, it has signifi-cant business implications as well. Corporations need to ask themselves: How are we investing in Indigenous healthcare? How are we addressing systemic racism within our own poli-cies? Its not enough to stand on the sidelines. Its time to listen, believe and act, says Silva.Businesses that prioritize Indigenous health arent just supporting commu-nities, theyre strengthening their own workforce and long-term success. A healthier workforce leads to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and stronger employee retention, particu-larly in industries reliant on Indigenous One of the challenges Chrystal Toop of Blackbird Medicines faces is the reliance on short-term funding cycles, which oftentalent. Companies that actively invest in leaves grassroots organizations in a precarious position culturally competent healthcare, well-ness programs, and community part-what equitable healthcare should lookpractices with mental health servicesnerships position themselves as leaders like for everyone, she says. are creating models of care that can bein reconciliation while also creating replicated nationwide. Were provingmore inclusive and sustainable work-Toop emphasizes that while Indigenousthat these approaches dont just work,places. As Silva puts it, Investing in healthcare is anchored in tradition, itthey thrive, she says. Indigenous health isnt charity its adapts to modern needs. This adapt- smart business and a necessary step ability is evident in community-drivenBUSINESS IMPERATIVE toward equity.programs that focus on both preventionToop and Silva share a common goal:Toop suggests companies support initia-and care. For example, grassroots initia- tocreateasustainablemodelfortives like training healthcare profes-tives that integrate traditional healingIndigenous healthcare that prioritizessionals on cultural competency, funding Indigenous-led wellness programs, and investing in community infrastructure We are an Indigenous owned andlike traditional healing spaces. She says operated company. We provideexisting funding models often exclude Indigenous-led cultural-based learninggrassroots organizations, yet they are circles/workshops centered aroundcritical to bridging the gap in care. truth and reconciliation, including the KAIROS Blanket Exercise. The content of our educational work is from an[Grassroots] programs not only address Indigenous perspective and worldview. community needs but also foster trust and engagement between corpora-Our goal is to create and foster healthy,tions and Indigenous communities, respectful relationships betweensays Toop. Governments and corpora-Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.tions need to invest directly in commu-We believe this begins with educationnity-led initiatives. The return on invest-and communication that is grounded inment is not just financial; its social and the 7 sacred teachings. Msit NoKmaq.cultural resilience.Scan here to learn more! Santeles Healing Circles Toopsaysbusinessescanstart 1-866-420-5672 byfundinginitiativeslikecultur-info@santelesHC.com ally grounded healthcare training, santeleshealingcircles.com Indigenous-led wellness programs, and the development of traditional healing spaces. These investments 30A CCIB PUBLICATIONSpring 2025'