ICYMI: Co-creating change

Indigenous Peoples guiding the change

Health is a basic human right. But across Canada, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples face unacceptable health disparities.

Seeking medical care is fraught. Indigenous Peoples face a dire lack of health services, particularly in remote communities. They also experience anti-Indigenous racism in health systems, a lack of #CulturalSafety and acceptance of Indigenous health and healing models.

The CMA is committed to advancing reconciliation in health care — led by Indigenous Peoples. Improving health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples must start with Indigenous voices leading the way.

The CMA's Indigenous health goal

Balancing the different perspectives, experiences, priorities and stories shared by members of?the CMA’s Guiding?Circle?, a group of 16 Indigenous leaders and knowledge-keepers, the CMA recently announced a long-term Indigenous health goal to advance more equitable health care in allyship with #FirstNations, #Inuit and #Métis Peoples. It will serve as the North Star for our work over the next two decades.

Fireside Chats on Indigenous Health series

Change starts with open conversation. This month, CMA President Dr. Alika Lafontaine led two out of a series of three intimate discussions, hosted by author and journalist Tanya Talaga , with Indigenous patients, providers and leaders on how we can move forward, together, on #reconciliation.

The first event addressed the importance of cultural safety in health care for both patients and providers. During the virtual one-hour discussion, panellists reflected on rebuilding trust with Indigenous patients in a system where they've been neglected and harmed.

While the journey of reconciliation is lifelong, Dr. Lafontaine explained that as “the absence of harm and hostility,” cultural safety can be implemented in health care immediately.

See the recap of the first session ??

In the second session, host Tanya Talaga was joined by Dr. Alika Lafontaine, Dr. Paula Cashin, and Dr. Sarah Williams for a discussion on how organizations like the CMA can positively contribute to improving health outcomes of #IndigenousPeoples.

Watch the full recording here.

Participating in conversations of change

In a panel discussion with the Minister of Indigenous Services of Canada, Patty Hajdu , and CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) , Shannin Metatawabin ICD.D , Dr. Alika Lafontaine addressed health resourcing, balancing wealth and wellbeing, and the importance of connection when empowering Indigenous communities.

“For any of you trying to make change in Indigenous communities: there is earned mistrust. But if you come with an open heart and a willingness to learn, you’ll come out with richness you can’t imagine," advised Dr. Lafontaine at the Canada2020 conference on May 16.

Funding a better future of health

In a presentation before the Standing Committee on Finance, Dr. Alika Lafontaine

reminded members that the health security of Canadians underscores the nation’s financial security. As such, outcome-based federal funding in health care, with accountability for spending by provinces and territories, must be prioritized.

Watch the full presentation here.

Convening change-makers

This May we announced the 2023 #CMAHealthSummit, taking place August 17-18 in Ottawa and virtually. This hybrid event invites physicians, patients, partners, and policymakers across Canada to lend their voice on the solutions needed to rebuild health care.

Register now ??