Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Thrive Health acknowledges its privilege to operate on the unceded and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
September 30, 2021 marks Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; previously, this day was known as Orange Shirt Day. This day presents an opportunity to reflect on the tragic legacy of the residential school system, to engage in dialogue around what we can do to ensure that we never forget the impact of that system, and to identify how we can advance reconciliation efforts. In our context at Thrive Health, this has to do with the long and ongoing history of injustice and discrimination that Indigenous people experience in the Canadian healthcare system, and how we can play a role in providing better healthcare to Indigenous people.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released a report with 94 Calls to Action, to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance Canadian reconciliation. At Thrive, we are paying particular attention to Calls to Action 18-24 surrounding Health. These seven CTAs call for the federal government to acknowledge the state of healthcare for Indigenous communities, and historical policies that have created discrimination in the Canadian healthcare system. Through increased acceptance of both traditional Indigenous healing practices and of Indigenous professionals working in healthcare, the report maintains that reconciliation within the system means confronting exclusionary Western medical biases and being open to change.
As part of Thrive’s recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we welcomed Cree-Métis lawyer Michelle Casavant, to give a presentation on the history of the residential school system, the forming of the TRC, and the path to this new national holiday. Michelle spoke to our team a few days before September 30th, as a primer for our discussions on the day itself.
For today, September 30th, we are gathering for discussions with Ray Gerow of the Burns Lake Band of the Wet’suet’en nation, and Dr. Judith Sayers of the Hupacasath nation and Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, followed by some breakout sessions to share ideas on how Thrive Health can help address the TRC Health Calls to Action with our products, partnerships, recruitment, and other community activities. To help inform these conversations, our team has reviewed resources such as the 2020 In Plain Sight report regarding discrimination against Indigenous people in BC’s healthcare system, alongside the TRC report. Our goal for these discussions is to identify concrete and actionable next steps that Thrive can begin to take towards reconciliation efforts.
We recognize the privilege that we hold as a tech company living and working on prosperous unceded land here in Vancouver, and our hope is that this day gives our team the chance to learn, reflect, and engage in productive brainstorming around reconciliation in healthcare. We recognize our duty to work towards dismantling the many injustices that have taken place in the Canadian healthcare system toward Indigenous people, and we look forward to the ideas that are brought forth today.
Connect with Thrive Health to explore partnering with us on projects focused on advancing reconciliation efforts in healthcare.
Monday, March 28
Hosted by our Development team
- Our inaugural Thrive Health ping-pong tournament
- Welcome dinner for our team members who flew in for the week
Calgary (June 6th-10th):
- A fun and informative tour of the University of Calgary's Simulation Health Center, featuring innovative, simulative technology for health professionals to improve patient outcomes
- Cesar, a member of our Customer Solutions team, preparing everyone a special Colombian breakfast with arepas, sausages, eggs and hot chocolate
- Friends, families and colleagues gathering for an outdoor summer BBQ
Toronto (June 13th-18th):
- Gathering together to work in the Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport
- Enjoying dinner at Amsterdam Brewhouse with a beautiful ocean view
- Joining the Integra Health team for a tour of their clinic and wellness services, such as massages and skin treatments
- Gathering with our customers and partners for an event filled with fun, socializing, and delicious food and cocktails by the pool
Vancouver (June 27th-30th):
- Working together at our office space downtown with different teams coming together, all while enjoying delicious breakfast, fresh coffee and lots of snacks!
- Company town hall: discussing our progress so far this year, the road ahead, and our goals, giving us time to reflect and look to the future
- Wrapping up the week with a picnic in Flora's Field, Kitsilano while enjoying the sun, food, drinks, and friendly competitions
Thrive Health’s platform enables enhanced relationships between providers and patients. Connect with us today to learn more about how our technology can support your organization.
Monday, March 28
Hosted by our Development team
- Our inaugural Thrive Health ping-pong tournament
- Welcome dinner for our team members who flew in for the week
Tuesday, March 29
Hosted by our Product and Marketing teams
-Volunteering at a local women’s shelter, and preparing care packages for people experiencing homelessness
-Sushi-making workshop! M Sushi stopped by our Thrive office and prepared an amazing assortment of sushi for our team, while giving us the opportunity to design our own rolls - and even use the blow-torch.
Wednesday, March 30
Hosted by our Customer Success, Support, and Solutions teams
-Parfait Breakfast Bar to fuel us up for the day ahead
-Coaching workshop for our leadership and management teams, to provide us with new and exciting ways to think about growing our individual teams and continuously offering new leadership opportunities
-Commercial-themed cocktail hour and pizza night, followed by a stroll at beautiful Stanley Park
Thursday, March 31
Hosted by our Admin & Strategic Initiatives teams
-Coming together as a team for a mindfulness session hosted by Peak Wellness that gave us time to destress, check in with ourselves, and be reminded of the importance of getting in touch with our emotions
Friday, April 1
Hosted by our Executive team
-Company fireside chat, where we discussed our vision, goals, and key initiatives for the remainder of 2022, giving us time to celebrate in all of our exciting work ahead
-Ending off the week with a pub social at Colony Granville, featuring a (mildly) competitive bocce tournament!
Our Q1 2022 Onsite Week not only brought a lot of joy and laughter, but gave us the opportunity to come together as a team and connect after a long period of working remotely during the pandemic. We are already looking forward to our next onsite week, and continuing to grow the connections and friendships we have formed.
Thrive Health’s platform enables enhanced relationships between providers and patients. Connect with us today to learn more about how our technology can support your organization.
