The Canadian Medical Association’s Apology to Indigenous Peoples
Press Release
September 19, 2024
Ottawa, On – The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) is encouraged by the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) historic apology to Indigenous Peoples on September 18th and is pleased to be a part of yesterday’s events.
The CMA underwent an in-depth review of archives that revealed several accounts of systemic racism and ongoing anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare. Throughout this review, the CMA outlined specific harms such as; segregated institutions called Indian Hospitals, medical experimentation, tuberculosis sanitoriums, forced and coerced sterilizations, and overall substandard and/or absent care.
The CMA’s acknowledgment of the harms committed by the medical profession amplifies the voices and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples who spoke out against these horrors and were silenced for generations. NAFC “The CMA’s work in uncovering its history as it relates to anti-Indigenous racism and its commitment to doing better, starting with this apology, is a welcomed and promising gesture” says Jocelyn Formsma, NAFC CEO, “The only way that we will advance reconciliation in this country is if established and high-profile organizations, like the CMA, continue to do the work, step forward, take responsibility, and wholly commit to meaningful change.
The NAFC is pleased to see the CMA’s commitment to and call for other health organizations to implement Joyce’s Principle, which aims to create equitable access to care without discrimination.
We are pleased that the CMA has reached out to us as a partner to hold them to their promise, keep them accountable, and realizing the end to anti-Indigenous racism in health care. Friendship Centres will continue to provide life-saving, culturally relevant and community driven programming, including in holistic health care, that is by and for urban Indigenous people. We have growing examples of Friendship Centres across the country that are now taking health care back into the hands of by/for urban Indigenous communities by developing health care delivery models that are rooted in cultural safety, accessibility and equity.
The NAFC will work with the CMA on shared initiatives and walk this path together.
To learn more, click here.
Resources and Supports
This content can be harmful, triggering, and provide feelings of unease. Please note the resources below if you are in need:
The Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419 available 24 hours a day
Hope For Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 or their online chat hopeforwellness.ca
Suicide Crisis Helpful: call or text 9-8-8 (TOLL-FREE)
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