​Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations | VANCOUVER – Richard Jock, the First Nations Health Authority's (FNHA) Chief Executive Officer, issued the following statement regarding the Canadian Medical Association's (CMA) apology to Indigenous Peoples.

“On Sept. 18, the CMA will publicly apologize for its role, and the role of the medical profession, in the past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the health system. I and others of the executive team will be attending the ceremony on the unceded territories of the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ Nations, known now as Victoria.

“Indigenous-specific racism in BC's and Canada's health-care systems continues to exist. Last month, we partnered with BC's Office of the Provincial Health Officer to provide an update on health indicators of First Nations Peoples in BC. Although our findings revealed some modest improvements, it was clear that persistent gaps in BC's health and supportive systems continue to fall short of their responsibilities to First Nations People.​

“The ongoing legacy of colonialism, racism, discrimination and intergenerational trauma is something First Nations People in BC and Canada experience every day. In 2022, FNHA Vancouver Island Regional Vice President Brennan MacDonald and Regional Executive Director Eunice Joe were among 16 First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, experts and Knowledge Keepers who formed CMA's Indigenous Guiding Circle to inform CMA policy and goals toward Indigenous health equity, which led to this apology.  

We value the CMA's decision to issue this apology, and we encourage our partners at every level of the health system to do the same."

Watch the CMA apology ceremony live stream.

Background and information on upcoming ceremony.