THE Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) has "reinforced its ongoing commitment to reconciliation as an integral part of sustainable pharmacy practice," with the organisation's Board sponsoring a new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) process during NAIDOC Week.
SHPA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Leadership Committee Chair Aleena Williams, who is also a Yugambeh woman, says the "Heal Country!" theme of NAIDOC this year highlights that "the wounds of our country and peoples are visible in the lands and waters around us".
"This year's theme calls for us all to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration and destruction.
"For SHPA members this carries additional layers of meaning as we are medicine specialists...Indigenous Australians were our first pharmacists," she said.
Williams said Country had provided medicines and healing throughout history and still does.
"As medicine specialists we need to acknowledge our connection to Country," she added.
"Many of us in pharmacy practice are proud of our environment and seek opportunities to reduce environmental impacts as we deliver and improve patient care...I encourage everyone to get out and Heal Country, participate in NAIDOC activities near them, and most importantly ngari (celebrate)."
SHPA CEO Kristin Michaels said the organisation was committed to a RAP which turns good intentions into measurable outcomes.
"Our 200-strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Specialty Practice stream is a strong example of this commitment, and we look forward to building our organisational respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by continuing to embed observance of cultural protocols, celebration of annual Reconciliation events and advocacy to improve professional opportunities.
"A RAP provides a framework for SHPA to consolidate and enhance these foundation activities while better supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members as we, together, support all hospital pharmacists and technicians to address systemic racism in their professional settings," she added.
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