Canada’s physicians formally apologize for harm to Indigenous communities
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VICTORIA — The group representing Canada’s physicians has formally apologized for the harm medical professionals caused to Indigenous Peoples, saying it is “deeply ashamed” and “owning its history” of racism, neglect and abuse.
At an apology ceremony in Victoria attended by representatives from the First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, the Canadian Medical Association says it is sorry that it has lost the trust of Indigenous communities and has committed to righting its wrongs.
The association says its research has found a history of harm caused by the Canadian medical profession, including “Indian hospitals, forced medical experimentation, forced sterilization and child apprehensions.”
The group also says research has turned up systemic racism in the way physicians and others have dealt with Indigenous community members as well as the use of “outdated, racist terms,” creating an environment of “unsafe” and segregated health care.
