This article addresses subject matter that may be disturbing to some readers, especially to Survivors of the Residential School System. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line for former Residential School students is available at 1−866−925−4419. Immediate emotional support is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada. Call the Hope for Wellness Help Line 1−855−242−3310 or chat online at: hope​for​well​ness​.ca.

On September 18, 2024, the Canadian Medical Association apologized for its role and the role of the medical profession in the harms caused to Indigenous Peoples in the health system, both through action and inaction.

The apology was delivered by CMA President Dr. Joss Reimer at a ceremony in Victoria, BC, on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ speaking people of Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations.

A path to an apology

It was in June 2023 that the CMA first announced the path to the apology. The path included an examination of the CMA’s 157-year history and the history of the medical profession’s treatment of Indigenous Peoples. 

The devastating impacts of Indian hospitals, forced medical experimentation, forced sterilization and child apprehensions were also brought to light. The apology statement outlined the association and profession’s role in these harms, through actions or inaction.

The apology was informed by Indigenous CMA board members, Indigenous staff, Reconciliation advisors, and an Indigenous Guiding Circle, including Indigenous leaders, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and conversations with national Indigenous organizations.

As the national voice of Canada’s physicians, the CMA determined it was important to apologize as a step towards creating a more accessible, equitable health system. 

The Apology

The ceremony included welcome messages from Esquimalt Nation Chief Jerome Thomas, Inuit Elder Martha Peet, and Métis Elder Jimmy Durocher and an introduction to the CMA by Dr. Alika Lafontaine. A summary on the journey of Reconciliation was provided by Dr. Santanna Hernandez, and an overview of past and ongoing harms by Dr. Paula Cashin before Dr. Reimer’s turn at the podium. After the delivery of the apology, Manitoba physician Dr. Lisa Monkman participated in the Jingle Dress Dance.

“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. We acknowledge there are ripple effects on future generations. We take ownership of the CMA’s history, and we are committed to righting our wrongs and rebuilding our relationship on a foundation of trust, accountability and reciprocity. We accept responsibility for the CMA’s actions and inactions. We know there is nothing we can do to take back what has been done. We can only move forward — beginning with our commitment to work in partnership and reciprocity with Indigenous Peoples to advance reconciliation in health care.” 

Click to view the full apology as delivered by Dr. Reimer: CMA Apology to Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

Truth before Reconciliation

Truth must come before Reconciliation, and part of that truth is acknowledging the medical harms experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, both past and ongoing.

The CMA continues its in-depth review of more than 150 years of archives, including the Code of Ethics, governance structures and social media content. As well, the content of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, is under review in partnership with the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health.

This ongoing research has uncovered the use of outdated, racist terms, the disrespect and disregard for Indigenous Peoples implicit and explicit in systemic racism, and more.

“Physicians have an essential role to play in changing harmful patterns — learning how to be allies to Indigenous Peoples and providing culturally safe health care. This apology isn’t about individual blame. It’s about recognizing how health care systems and structures have harmed, and continue to harm, Indigenous Peoples. And for non-Indigenous physicians, it’s about acknowledging how those same structures have benefitted and continue to benefit us as settlers,” said Dr. Reimer. 

Building trust

The apology was offered to build trust with and support Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations and to inspire medical learners, physicians and medical organizations to undertake their own Reconciliation journey, professionally, and personally as Canadians.

“This apology is the first, vital step in acknowledging the CMA’s role, and the health care system’s complicity, in the genocide of Indigenous people. The next steps will include supporting Indigenous physicians as they work with our people and the medical system to create a new, holistic way of providing care and a better experience for all,” said Dr. Ojistoh Horn when asked what the apology meant to her, a family physician and Kanienkeha:ka (Mohawk) from Kahnawake.

Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Randy Guzman and President Elect Dr. Nichelle Desilets traveled to take part on behalf of Doctors Manitoba, and the Board of Directors gathered to watch a livestream of the ceremony together from Winnipeg.

Dr. Guzman said he was honoured to be both witness and participant in the apology. ​“The ceremony is a symbol of hope and a reminder to all of us of the role we play in Reconciliation,” he said. ​“This step is a reminder to continue to listen and learn, and strengthen our connections with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and put our focus on the action part of our Reconciliation journey.”

Dr. Desilets emphasized that ​“Doctors Manitoba joined this apology on behalf of the medical profession across Canada, and our Association is looking at the actions we can take in Manitoba to support Reconciliation and Decolonization.” 

“I’m grateful and humbled to have been able to participate in this historic event. In reflecting on the day’s ceremonies, I was inspired by the positivity and inclusivity. All participants were warmly welcomed, regardless of their role — Indigenous or settler, medical or non, participant or witness. The energy for change permeated the space, and we can strive to follow that energy as DRMB does it’s own EDID work ​“in a good way.”

Last year, the new Physician Services Agreement between Doctors Manitoba and the Manitoba Government committed to responding to the relevant Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the first time both parties have jointly made such a commitment. 

Further, the most recent Strategic Plan for Doctors Manitoba holds equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDID) as a new foundation, including improving access to care for Indigenous patients, and driving progress towards equity and justice for all physicians. This includes new support for Indigenous medical learners to help them succeed, with a continued focus on tackling the more systemic forms of racism and discrimination that exist in the health system and profession.

“We need to ensure our profession is guided by the pillars of equity, inclusivity, and justice as we all support Indigenous physicians and medical learners in our province,” Dr. Guzman added.

A formal apology builds on the CMA’s work to improve Indigenous health outcomes and advance truth and reconciliation in health care, aligned with CMA’s Indigenous health goal. You can learn more at cma​.ca/​i​n​d​i​g​e​n​o​u​s​-​h​ealth.

Support is available through the CMA’s new wellness and healing resource guide for Indigenous physicians and learners Opens in a new window. This guide was developed in collaboration with the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada.