Whitehorse, YT – The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) issued a formal apology for its role in perpetuating past and ongoing racism against Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s healthcare system.
The apology was delivered in Victoria, B.C. on September 18th by current CMA President Dr. Joss Reimer who was joined by former President Dr. Alika Lafontaine, alongside board members Dr. Paula Cashin and Dr. Santanna Hernandez.
“The Canadian Medical Association is deeply sorry for the harms First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples have experienced and continue to experience in the Canadian health system,” said Dr. Reimer. “The racism and discrimination that Indigenous patients and health care providers face is deplorable, and we are deeply ashamed.”
The CMA gave examples of harm that the medical system caused including the legacy of the Indian hospital system, medical experiments conducted on Indigenous children and adults, forced relocation of Inuit people and forced sterilization of some Indigenous women, men and two-spirit people.
Métis elder Jimmy Durocher said during the apology that many community members were so harmed by health professionals that they still cannot talk about what happened.
“We have not lived up to the ethical standards the medical profession is expected to uphold to ensure the highest standard of care is provided to patients and trust is fostered in physicians, residents and medical students,” Dr. Reimer said during the apology. “We realize we have left Indigenous Peoples out of that high standard of care.”
The CMA stated that racism and negative stereotypes continue to impact the quality of care that Indigenous People receive and many barriers still exist to prevent Indigenous People from gaining access to medical training.
Going forward, the CMA pledged to work in partnership with Indigenous communities to co-create healthcare solutions.
One key promise made was to adopt Joyce’s Principle which gives,”…all Indigenous people the right of equitable access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services, as well as the right to enjoy the best possible physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.”
The CMA also committed to revising its Code of Ethics to better address racism and discrimination, increasing Indigenous representation in the medical profession and fostering culturally safe, trauma-informed care.
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak welcomed the apology and stated that it’s the first step forward.
“As one of the largest and most historic organizations representing physicians in Canada, their leadership can spark change for many more health service providers and medical professionals,” said Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak in a statement. We will continue to support the organization’s work toward a more equitable health system from coast to coast to coast.”
For supports you can reach the Indian Residential School Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419), the Hope for Wellness Helpline (1-855-242-3310) or the Suicide Crisis Helpline (call or text 9-8-8).
