CMA delivers formal apology to Indigenous Peoples, outlines future commitments to advance Indigenous health.
“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.
“We have not lived up to the ethical standards the medical profession is expected to uphold to ensure the highest standard of care is provided to patients and trust is fostered in physicians, residents and medical students. We realize we have left Indigenous Peoples out of that high standard of care,” said CMA President Dr. Joss Reimer.
“To Indigenous Peoples living in Canada, we apologize to you. We are sorry. We are sorry we have lost your trust and for the harms you, your ancestors, your families and your communities have experienced.” ………. These harms include the devastating impacts of Indian hospitals, forced medical experimentation, forced sterilization, child apprehensions and systemic racism, neglect and abuse within the health care system.”
Click to read the full apology statement: https://www.cma.ca/latest-stories/cma-delivers-formal-apology-indigenous-peoples-outlines-future-commitments-advance-indigenous-health
July 22, 2022: Update
The Senate of Canada’s Standing Committee on Human Rights undertook a study on the extent and scope of forced and coerced sterilization of Indigenous women in Canada. The study was in two parts beginning in 2019 and expanded to include all persons in Canada. In July, 2022, the Committee released its final report: The Scars That We Carry: Forced and Coerced Sterilization of Persons in Canada – Part II
“Beginning in 2019, the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (the Committee) undertook a
study on the extent and scope of forced and coerced sterilization of persons in Canada, hearing
from experts and civil society groups. In 2022, the Committee heard additional testimony on this
issue, including from several survivors who courageously shared their stories.
The practice of forced and coerced sterilization is not confined to our distant past, and law and
policy changes are needed to prevent this horrific practice from being inflicted on others. This
report highlights the experiences and perspectives of survivors and outlines solutions that the
Committee believes are urgently needed to bring an end to this unacceptable practice.”
The Scars that We Carry: Forced and Coerced Sterilization of Persons in Canada – Part II, Standing Committee on Human Rights
To read the full report, click here
