On September 18, 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.
By offering this apology the CMA hopes to build trust with, and support, Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations. The CMA also aims to inspire medical learners, physicians and medical organizations to undertake their own reconciliation journey, professionally, and personally.
The apology will be delivered at a ceremony in Victoria, on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ people of Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
You can watch the ceremony live on September 18, starting at 1pm. Simultaneous interpretation will be available.
For more information please see the CMA website.
We recognize this apology may reopen wounds and retraumatize First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, families and communities who have experienced harms in the health system. For Island Health Indigenous Employees who require support can reach out to the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention team at indigenousemployment@islandhealth.ca.