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Commitment to Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility

Publication date: January 9, 2023

Last updated: December 15, 2022

Declaration of Commitment
Addressing Cultural Safety and Humility and Indigenous-Specific Racism

The Investigation and Standards Office (ISO) established by the Correction Act provides oversight to BC Corrections. Indigenous peoples are overrepresented in correctional services. ISO acknowledges the existence of widespread and systemic racism, stereotyping, and discrimination perpetrated against Indigenous peoples. We acknowledge Indigenous peoples have been disproportionately affected by justice system interventions.  

ISO is publicly declaring its commitment to work with Indigenous partners to advance cultural safety and humility within ISO.

ISO has set an intention to enhance internal competencies in cultural safety and humility to best carry out the following functions:

  • Investigate correctional complaints;
  • Review disciplinary hearings;
  • Conduct critical incident reviews; and
  • Conduct systemic quality reviews.

To meet our mandate, additional work in advancing cultural safety and humility is needed. In alignment with the British Columbia Cultural Safety and Humility Standard, we at ISO are committed to build internal capacity to:

  • Support social, public, and reciprocal accountability;
  • Establish meaningful and inclusive partnerships;
  • Implement responsible leadership;
  • Develop human capacity;
  • Build a culture of quality and safety;
  • Design and deliver culturally safe services; and
  • Collect evidence, monitor trends, and provide recommendations.

Our collective commitment is based on being a learning organization that humbly acknowledges its place and intention in addressing Indigenous-specific racism. We believe humility is foundational to achieve a safe environment for all. Through learning, listening, and honoring Indigenous peoples' distinct ways of being, knowing and doing, we seek to demonstrate this commitment meaningfully and consistently and over time.

Marcia Marchenski
Director
Investigation and Standards Office