In May 2018, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) issued a formal apology to Indigenous Peoples for the role that the medical profession played in the residential school system and other harmful practices. This apology was significant as it acknowledged the historical injustices and ongoing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for Indigenous communities.
The residential school system, which operated from the late 19th century until the late 20th century, aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. Many of these schools were sites of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and the health consequences were severe. Doctors, both directly and indirectly, contributed to the suffering. For instance, Dr. Peter Bryce, a public health official, reported on the appalling health conditions in these schools as early as 1907, noting that tuberculosis rates were alarmingly high. Despite his findings, his reports were largely ignored by the government and medical establishment.
The apology also referenced the forced sterilization of Indigenous women, a practice that persisted into the 1970s. The Sexual Sterilization Act of Alberta and similar laws in British Columbia were used disproportionately against Indigenous women, often without their consent. This was part of a broader pattern of systemic racism within the healthcare system.
In addition, the Sixties Scoop saw thousands of Indigenous children taken from their families and placed in foster care or adopted out to non-Indigenous families. Medical professionals often supported these actions, believing it was in the "best interest" of the children, despite the long-term psychological and cultural harm caused.
The CMA’s apology also highlighted the ongoing challenges Indigenous peoples face in accessing healthcare. Jordan's Principle, named after Jordan River Anderson, a young boy who died in hospital while federal and provincial governments argued over who should pay for his care, is a policy aimed at ensuring that Indigenous children receive the services they need without delay. However, implementation has been inconsistent, and many Indigenous communities continue to experience poor health outcomes compared to the general population.
Further, the apology addressed the need for culturally safe healthcare practices. The concept of cultural safety involves recognizing and respecting the cultural identities of patients and addressing power imbalances in the healthcare relationship. Efforts are ongoing to integrate traditional Indigenous healing practices with Western medicine, promoting a more holistic approach to health and well-being.
By acknowledging these historical and contemporary issues, the CMA’s apology was a step towards reconciliation. It underscored the importance of understanding the intersections of health and history in addressing the disparities faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.