Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and ​səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations | VANCOUVER – The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) and the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) are calling on its system partners to address anti-Indigenous, racist remarks made by Dr. Marina Sapozhnikov. 

In a letter addressed to representatives of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), Doctors of BC (DoBC) and College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC), the FNHA, FNHC and FNHDA request immediate and decisive action. In a separate letter, John Rustad, leader of the BC Conservative party, was also called upon to take a stand against racist comments made by party members. 

“Everyone deserves to feel safe when accessing the health-care services they need," said Richard Jock, CEO, FNHA. “Unfortunately, the racism and harmful attitudes reflected in Dr. Sapozhnikov's comments, especially as a former practicing physician, perpetuate the ongoing disparities in our health system — that we are working tirelessly with our health partners to address." 

The FNHA, FNHC and FNHDA leadership request that the organizations denounce Dr. Sapozhnikov's remarks as a former practicing physician and ensure a full investigation is carried out prior to granting her a license in the future, should she seek to return to practice. Similarly, they called on John Rustad to establish a code of conduct with zero tolerance for the types of racist remarks made by Dr. Sapozhnikov and other Conservative party members such as Brent Chapman and Dallas Brodie. 

“Discourse like the anti-Indigenous, racist remarks made by Dr. Sapozhnikov have tangible impacts on health outcomes for First Nations peoples," said Wade Grant, Chair, FNHC. “It's upsetting to think of how this MD and general practitioner viewed her Indigenous patients — these kinds of racist beliefs are exactly why First Nations people don't feel safe accessing health care in BC and have poorer health outcomes as a result." 

The FNHA, FNHC and FNHDA reminded health system partners of their commitment to meaningful reconciliation, released with the recent CMA apology to Indigenous peoples on September 18, 2024, and offered to collaborate on a joint statement to condemn the racist and derogatory statements made by Dr. Sapozhnikov. 

“While deeply disturbing, this highly publicized incident presents an opportunity to reiterate a zero tolerance for these attitudes and behaviours in the health system," said Keith Marshall, President, FNHDA Board of Directors. “We ask that all of our system partners use this deplorable incident as a catalyst to advance a standard of quality care that is culturally safe and respectful of First Nations peoples and cultures." 

Mental Health and Wellness. Publication of this report may be a triggering event for individuals.

• Cultural and counselling supports: available to all First Nations people free of charge from the Kackaamin Family Development Centre and Tsow-Tun-Le-Lum Treatment Centre. Individuals can call toll-free 1-888-403-3123 for an initial consultation.

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS): at 1-800-721-0066 or 604-985-4464 to access the following cultural supports:  Sadie McPhee, Gertie Pierre or Yvonne Rigby Jones.  Emotional mental health and counselling services will be accessible from the IRSSS Resolution Health Support Workers. 
• The KUU-US Crisis Line Society: operates a 24-hour provincial Aboriginal crisis line for adults and Elders at 250-723-4050, children and youth at 250-723-2040. Toll-free 1-800-588-8717. 

About the BC First Nations Health Governance Structure: The First Nations Health Governance Structure belongs to First Nations in BC. Its beginnings start with the signing of the Transformative Change Accord to address health disparities between First Nations and other residents in BC by the First Nations Health Council, the Province of BC and the Government of Canada. Our success is rooted in a core set of values, our guiding Seven Directives given to us by BC First Nations, and our Shared Vision Statement and collective goal of “Healthy, Self-Determining and Vibrant BC First Nations Children, Families and Communities." The structure includes: 1) the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), created in 2006 and re-structured in 2010, as a provincial-level political and advocacy organization with a regionally-appointed 15-member Council; 2) technical advice and capacity development from the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) which was formally created in 2010; and 3) the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), formed in 2013, which provides health programs, service delivery and associated partnership and leadership functions.

First Nations Health Authority

Media Relations

604 329-9544

media@fnha.ca​