Thursday, May 28, 2026
    ADVT 
    National

    Canada's physicians formally apologize for harm to Indigenous communities

    Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Sep, 2024 04:11 PM
    • Canada's physicians formally apologize for harm to Indigenous communities

    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up systemic racism in the way physicians and others have dealt with Indigenous community members as well as the use of "outdated, racist terms," creating an environment of "unsafe" and segregated health care.

    The association says both actions and inactions by Canadian physicians created deep mistrust by the Indigenous community towards health care systems, leading to further harm to members.

    Dr. Alika Lafontaine, the organization's first Indigenous president in its 157-year history, says in a video message ahead of the apology that "recognizing truth is essential to support healing, improve Indigenous health and reconcile the ties between health professionals and Indigenous patients."

    The group also says it is committed to tracking physicians' progress in addressing the harms caused, which includes providing regular updates about the association's Indigenous health initiatives.

    Prev Next

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Hiker dies in West Vancouver

    Hiker dies in West Vancouver
    A hiker has died after plunging more than 60 metres from a path in Cypress Creek Canyon in West Vancouver. Police say the man -- in his 70s -- was hiking with a large group when he fell.

    Hiker dies in West Vancouver

    B.C. cargo flow should be back to normal in days after port strike, says researcher

    B.C. cargo flow should be back to normal in days after port strike, says researcher
    The union, which represents 7,400 workers in the job action that began July 1, has not yet commented on the pact. Federal Labour Minister Seamus O'Regan said Thursday that the strike that had snarled trade worth billions was over and thanked both sides.  

    B.C. cargo flow should be back to normal in days after port strike, says researcher

    19-year-old firefighter who died in B.C. is identified by her brother

    19-year-old firefighter who died in B.C. is identified by her brother
    The firefighter was working on brush-clearing in a remote area where a fire had started. Her team found her pinned under a fallen tree and began first aid, but she succumbed to her injuries after being airlifted to a hospital in Revelstoke.  

    19-year-old firefighter who died in B.C. is identified by her brother

    Mission stabbing victim dies of his injuries

    Mission stabbing victim dies of his injuries
    On Thursday, at 6:13 p.m., the Mission RCMP were called to the area of the 32500-block of Lougheed Highway. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 42-year old man, suffering from a stab wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where sadly, he succumbed to his injuries.  

    Mission stabbing victim dies of his injuries

    Sextortion on the rise in Kelowna

    Sextortion on the rise in Kelowna
    Mounties in Kelowna are warning about an increase of so-called sextortion targeting boys between the ages of 14 and 17. They say the victims often receive friend requests through popular social media sites, and engage in flirtatious conversations.  

    Sextortion on the rise in Kelowna

    Unprovoked stabbing lands tourist in hospital

    Unprovoked stabbing lands tourist in hospital
    The victim, a 28-year-old visitor from New Zealand, was allegedly stabbed from behind by a man not known to him, on the corner of Nelson and Granville just before 8 p.m. He took himself to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

    Unprovoked stabbing lands tourist in hospital

    PrevNext