Canadian Medical Association to Apologize to Indigenous Peoples

On Sept. 18, 2024, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) will apologize 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.

According to CMA, “By offering this apology, we hope to build trust with and support Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations and inspire medical learners, physicians and medical organizations to undertake their own reconciliation journey, professionally, and personally as Canadians.”

Their apology will be delivered at a ceremony in Victoria, BC, on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ speaking people of Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations.

The ceremony televised live on Sept. 18 starting at 1 pm PT (Pacific Time) and 4 pm ET (Eastern). Simultaneous interpretation will be available.

A formal welcome will be made by Esquimalt – Chief Jerome Thomas and Inuit – Elder Martha Peet. A ceremonial ‘Lighting of the Qulliq’ will take place.

Several speakers include Elder Jimmy Durocher with an introduction to the CMA by Dr. Alika Lafontaine. Dr. Santanna Hernandez will present a ‘Journey of Reconciliation.’

Dr. Paula Cashin will present “Past and Ongoing Harms.’

A 35-minute documentary, ‘The Unforgotten: Sonny MacDonald’s Story’ will be shown. The Unforgotten, a free, 35-minute, online documentary tells stories about health through the five stages of life: birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and Elderhood. Long-time Yellowknife doctor Ewan Affleck was the executive producer of the film. Each stage focuses on how Canada’s institutions failed to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples’ health, or even attempted to destroy them.

‘The Unforgotten’ is available online at: https://theunforgotten.cma.ca/film/unforgotten-full-length?utm_source=nnsl%20media&utm_campaign=nnsl%20media%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral

The actual CMA apology to Indigenous Peoples will be delivered by Dr. Joss Reimer.

A moment of silence will follow. The event will close with Inuit Drum Traditional Dancers, Jingle Dress Dance, Gifting the Medicine Bundle to the CMA – led by Yuxwelupton Qwal’Qaxala (Bradley Dick) and Elder Terri Barnhard and Blanket Ceremony with closing remarks.