On Sept. 18, on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ speaking people of Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations (Victoria, BC), the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) apologized for its role, and the role of the medical profession, in past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the health system.
But our journey does not end there. This apology must be followed by action – to eradicate racism in the health system, to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples to access safe, culturally appropriate care of the highest quality and to ensure Indigenous learners and physicians have the respect and support to thrive in the profession.
“The CMA’s respectful engagement with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people on traditional lands is a meaningful step forward,” said Chief Betsy Kennedy, the spokesperson for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, in a statement about the apology. “The upcoming actions of the CMA will be pivotal in demonstrating the authenticity of this commitment to reconciliation.”
To realize meaningful change, the CMA cannot, and should not, act alone. We humbly thank the First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, Elders and Knowledge Keepers for their guidance on moving forward in a good way and will continue to work with them in partnership and reciprocity. This apology is also offered to inspire and support other medical organizations on their own critical journeys of reconciliation. The work ahead is ours to do.
Here are some of the responses to the CMA’s apology from Indigenous leaders, and statements from physicians and medical association representatives committed to doing better.
I welcome this apology and acknowledgement of harm from the Canadian Medical Association, as well as the action plan for reconciliation in healthcare. 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. We will continue to support the organization’s work toward a more equitable health system from coast to coast to coast.
This apology is a crucial step towards reconciliation and healing. Now it is up to all of us in the medical profession to follow with concrete action. For advocacy organizations like CAPE, this means living our commitment to environmental health and justice by collaborating on and supporting initiatives that promote Indigenous health, sovereignty, and environmental stewardship and that uphold and advance the human rights of Indigenous peoples.
The SOGC reaffirms its commitment to advancing culturally safe and equitable care for Indigenous patients. We recognize the importance of cultural safety and humility in transforming the health care environment into one in which Indigenous patients feel respected, safe and valued.
We offer our apology for the role we have played, either actively or by being passive onlookers, as harm has been committed by the medical profession to First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and communities.
We expect the CMA action to serve as an opportunity for concrete, positive change within the Quebec government and its institutions. The recognition of systemic discrimination is a crucial step towards reconciliation and the implementation of tangible actions to ensure equity and justice for our populations.
We take everyone's health, safety and well-being to heart, as does the CMA. Our mission is to protect the public by ensuring the quality of medical services and the ability of healthcare professionals to work collaboratively in safe, respectful environments that foster their growth.
As physicians, we have a pivotal role to play in creating change in the healthcare system. We must start with acknowledging the harm and educating ourselves around how we can better provide culturally safe and appropriate health care to our Indigenous patients. We understand that apology without further action is incomplete.
We are committed to developing a Truth & Reconciliation plan in partnership with Indigenous leaders that considers the historical role of Doctors of BC and the profession, and the role we will play moving forward. … As physicians, our calling is to care for others and provide a space for our patients to feel safe…this can’t be achieved without ensuring culturally safe health care is provided to Indigenous Peoples.
To quote the CMA’s first Indigenous president, Dr. Alika Lafontaine, ‘In these two-sided relationships, the weight of history needs to be shared. There are parts of history that Indigenous Peoples must leave for settlers to carry.’ … I too commit to sharing the weight of history and change.
The words are encouraging but the damage that has been done runs deep for generations. I’m always wary of apologies when discriminatory practices continue to occur, and so the real test of the authenticity of this apology will be the actions of the CMA in addressing these issues in a substantial manner.
I have certainty that the leaders in the federal public service will continue to support the CMA in your efforts to make our healthcare system safe, culturally appropriate and inclusive for all Indigenous Peoples across the country.
My initial thought is — it's about damn time, because we see how these systems have treated First Nations people. Health care is supposed to be there to help you, not abuse you, not hurt you … I think coming together and voicing our concerns about changing the system will improve health care for everyone.
I invite you to visit the CMA website to learn more about the CMA’s ReconciliACTION plan and to do your part to invoke Joyce’s Principle to ensure equitable access to health care for all.
Recognizing past wrongs and committing to meaningful actions are crucial in building trust and fostering a more equitable and accessible healthcare system. We stand in solidarity with the CMA’s commitment to addressing health disparities and ensuring culturally safe and respectful care for Indigenous peoples.
The Métis National Council views the CMA’s apology as an important step and a key component of the broader efforts needed to hold Canada accountable and to foster healing and justice for Indigenous communities.