In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health CareAddressing Racism Review/ Full Report, November 2020
Hon. Dr. M.E. Turpel-Lafond (Aki-Kwe)
Independent Reviewer
"...On June 19, 2020, I (Hon. Dr. M.E. Turpel-Lafond (Aki-Kwe) ) was appointed by British Columbia’s Minister of Health, the Hon. Adrian Dix, to conduct a review of Indigenous-specific racism in the provincial health care system...."
From the Executive Summary: "...Through listening to thousands of voices – through survey results, direct submissions, health care data, and interviews – a picture is presented, as illustrated by Findings 1-5, of
a B.C. health care system with widespread systemic racism against Indigenous people. This stereotyping, discrimination, and prejudice results in a range of negative impacts, harm, and even death. Indigenous women are particularly impacted. Public health emergencies are magnifying these issues.
The Review also found, as illustrated by Findings 6-11, that this problem is widely acknowledged by many within the health care system, including those in positions of authority. There have been some well-intentioned and positive efforts to address this problem. However, these efforts are sporadic, disconnected, at times personality-dependent, and not underpinned by strong
and systemic foundations...."