The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has developed a ReconciliACTION plan that outlines how we will advance reconciliation, promote Indigenous health, follow through on our pledge to act against anti-Indigenous racism in health care and support the medical profession in making the system a safer place for First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients and providers.
We are committed to taking this next part of our journey in partnership and reciprocity with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples — and alongside members of the medical profession and other medical organizations.
Throughout this work, we will support the adoption of Joyce’s Principle, which aims to guarantee all Indigenous Peoples the right of equitable access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services and the right to enjoy the best physical, emotional and spiritual health.
The path to better
Here are some of the CMA’s recent steps to support reconciliation in health care:
- Our recommendations for improving the interoperability of health data include protecting Indigenous data sovereignty and ensuring First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples have control over what information is collected about their health and how.
- A virtual session in November brought physicians and medical learners together on allyship and culturally safe care — to explore opportunities to restore, build and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.
- The Winds of Change, made possible with support from the CMA Foundation, is a new national cultural safety and humility initiative from the Health Standards Organization.
- CMA President Dr. Joss Reimer spoke to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs on the urgent need to pass a federal clean water act.
- The CMA’s pre-budget recommendations include calls to fund Indigenous-led initiatives related to health and wellness, climate change and clean drinking water.
Our actions focus on three areas:
Advancing Indigenous health and well-being
- We will co-create and implement initiatives in partnership with the Indigenous Guiding Circle and other Indigenous voices that will support our goal to advance more equitable health care for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
- We will partner with and support Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives that are working to improve health outcomes and address the social determinants of Indigenous health in their communities.
- We will support the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action as they pertain to Indigenous health (Calls to Action 18 to 24).
- We will amplify Indigenous voices to influence government and policy-makers to advance Indigenous health.
- We will support Indigenous physicians and learners and their unique needs related to their well-being and safety.
- We will foster, create and enable spaces to listen to Indigenous Peoples to identify future actions.
Inspiring and supporting the medical profession’s journey to truth and reconciliation
- We will share our journey to reconciliation to inform and inspire medical organizations, leaders, physicians and learners to embark on or further their own journeys and create spaces where First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and communities are engaged and welcomed.
- We will support initiatives designed to spark and sustain reconciliation efforts; increase the recruitment and retention of Indigenous medical students, residents and physicians; and eliminate anti-Indigenous racism in the health system.
- We will review our Code of Ethics and Professionalism — a foundational document for ethical medical practice in Canada — with the goal of strengthening provisions related to racism and discrimination.
- We will provide educational and engagement opportunities for leaders, physicians and learners.
- We will continue to make funding, partnership and capacity-building support available to medical organizations that are working, or aspire to work, in allyship with Indigenous Peoples and organizations.
Advancing internal reconciliation at the CMA
- We will value and respect Indigenous voices and worldviews.
- We will create a culture of continual learning by providing ongoing educational opportunities on Indigenous issues for CMA staff and leadership, including fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights, as identified in international law, constitutional law and treaties.
- We will ensure that our policies, systems, processes and ways of working support a culture of ongoing truth and reconciliation.
- We will increase Indigenous representation throughout the organization and identify and address barriers uniquely impacting Indigenous staff in their career path, including in leadership positions.
- We will stay informed about and advocate for the unique needs of Indigenous physicians and learners, lead by example and raise awareness of harms caused by the medical profession.
Holding ourselves to account
This list is not exhaustive. We will continue to reflect, learn and evolve our plan as we move through our journey. As we take these actions, the CMA will amplify and support the work of Indigenous partners, from whom we will continually seek knowledge and guidance.
We will be accountable for our actions, now and in the future, and will track progress against our commitments, including undertaking a regular review of our Indigenous health initiatives.