Wasiq Silan (I-An Gao), National Dong Hwa University & University of Helsinki, 

Tove Mentsen Ness, Leader Centre for Sámi and Indigenous Studies Faculty of Education and Art, Nord University

Decolonization is an ongoing struggle globally, and hidden challenges blunt the impacts of truth and reconciliation projects. We have entered an era of truth and reconciliation in many parts of the world. Official apologies were given, and reparation processes are being actively discussed. But what does that all mean in social and health care services or the institutional setting as a whole? While many social and health services have explicitly stated that they should be adapted to the needs of Indigenous peoples, the implementation is far from being realized. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the key international instrument that sets the minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being for all Indigenous peoples across the world, has stated that Indigenous peoples have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for exercising their right to development, in particular, being actively involved in developing and determining health (Article 23). In addition, Indigenous peoples have the right to their traditional medicines and to maintain their health practices; Indigenous individuals have an equal right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health (Article 24). To close the implementation gap, we must address ways to decolonize care as one of the key strategies to transform care in policy and practice.

This panel examines the processes for implementing these critical rights to hold the states accountable. In doing so, we may ensure that states take effective measures for monitoring, maintaining, and restoring the health of Indigenous peoples (Article 29) so that the process of truth and reconciliation, as well as decolonization, can go beyond being tokenistic. Enough words; we need actions.

The panel aims to bring together various approaches to decolonizing care,
especially those related to public arrangements involving ways to adapt to a contextualized understanding of care.