In a significant move toward reconciliation in the Canadian health care system, several prominent medical organizations have publicly acknowledged past harms inflicted on Indigenous Peoples. The Dr. Lisa Monkman, the chair of the Indigenous Advisory Circle, for CPSM. As an active and committed council member, she champions these efforts and goes further to advance equity.
This would include the association’s recent apology for the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) role in these historical injustices. They recognized the continued difficulties experienced by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples. This comes on the heels of a similar apology of the CPSM earlier this year, which focused on the presence of systemic racism embedded in the practices of medicine. While personal, these apologies represent a watershed moment for the medical community, laying down a marker of intent to do better.
As part of this transformative initiative, the CMA has created a new section focused entirely on Indigenous health. This section intends to amplify the voices of clinicians working closely with Indigenous communities, ensuring they have a say in decisions that affect their patients. Doctors Manitoba has made EDID central to its new strategic plan. This new initiative is intended to make it easier for Indigenous people to access medical care.
The Canadian Medical Forum (CMF) has pledged to lead by principles of truth and reconciliation. On their part, they actively resist everyday anti-Indigenous racism present in health care. A recent Statistics Canada survey reveals that over a quarter of Indigenous individuals reported unmet health care needs within the last year. Alarmingly, one in five Indigenous Peoples reported being treated unfairly or discriminated against by health care providers.
Dr. Alika Lafontaine, the CMA’s first Indigenous president and now an advisor in residence, highlighted the importance of these apologies. As John H. Johnson once said, “Apologies are opportunities,” which is to say this recognition is a gateway to meaningful change. He remarked on the urgency for action following such apologies: “Most doctors are looking for where they can make the biggest difference. Right after ‘sorry’ the chance to create impact is most powerful.
The CPSM recently started a new restorative practices program. This program makes racism an easier topic for practitioners to confront head-on. Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk, CPSM registrar and CEO, noted that “this work is not performative; it is transformative.” Additionally, the CPSM highly values collaboration with Indigenous staff, acting as a bridge to connect and consult with various groups.
As part of ongoing commitments, the CMF plans to conduct annual reviews assessing progress and challenges regarding respect for Indigenous worldviews in health care and enhancing Indigenous leadership.
Dr. Guzman and Dr. Nichelle Desilets, the president and president-elect of Doctors Manitoba, were deeply involved in the CMA’s apology ceremony. Their enthusiastic support for our goal of building the “energy for change” in the healthcare space was palpable.
Dr. Cassandra Felske-Durksen remarked on the significance of the CMA’s apology, stating, “The apology socialized the idea that we really do have an opportunity to effectively action reconciliation.”
