FNHA, FNHC, FNHDA Support Investigation into Systemic Racism
Coast Salish Territory – The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) and the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) welcome the launch of Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond’s investigation into systemic racism in BC’s health system.
“We welcome this effort to shine light on the systemic racism that still exists in our province and encourage BC Indigenous patients and health workers within the system to trust this process and come forward to tell their truth about racism,” said Charlene Belleau, Chair of the First Nations Health Council.
Turpel-Lafond, a former judge and longtime children’s advocate in BC will produce a report on racism in the BC health system following allegations that health-care staff in emergency rooms were playing a “game” to guess the blood-alcohol level of Indigenous patients.
“Mary Ellen is doing very important work that will have great impact on the future health and wellbeing of First Nations in B.C. and across Canada. FNHA is extremely pleased to support this work,” said M. Colleen Erickson, Chair of the First Nations Health Authority Board of Directors.
“The FNHA looks forward to the outcomes of the review as a way to accelerate the progress on cultural safety for First Nations of BC,” said Richard Jock, FNHA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. “It is important people participate in the survey as a way to provide their experiences. FNHA will look to provide appropriate ways to support participants who may be triggered by the final report’s disclosures.”
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