On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) joins people across Canada in committing to continuing to learn and take concrete actions toward truth and reconciliation.
At the CMA, we’re aware of the role the medical profession has played as an instrument of colonization. We must now confront that history while building respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples and promoting inclusive health care for all.
We’re committed to working in allyship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to develop an action plan that focuses on improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples. To help us achieve this goal, we’re establishing the Indigenous Guiding Circle, a group of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals with relevant expertise who will collaborate with and advise the CMA on ways we can contribute to improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples.
We look forward to continuing to build collaborative, constructive relationships with Indigenous peoples across Canada. And we ask all Canadians to do the same.
Katharine Smart, MD, FRCPC
President, Canadian Medical Association