Actions and Commitments:
Exploring Theme: "Medical Organization Commitment"
Updates on this page: 50
September 18, 2024
CMA apologizes for harms to First Nation, Inuit and Métis Peoples
‘Indian Hospital’ system and forced sterilizations cited as specific examples of racism and maltreatment CBC News: The Canadian Medical Association says it is “deeply ashamed” and “deeply sorry” for the past and present harms the medical profession has caused to First Nation, Inuit and Métis Peoples. The apology was issued in a ceremony in Victoria held on...
September 18, 2024
Canadian Medical Association to apologize for past harms to Indigenous people by medical professionals
Globe and Mail: When leaders of the Canadian Medical Association began thinking of making a public apology to Indigenous people, they wanted to be clear-eyed about why they were saying sorry. That led to a nearly four-year process of looking into the organization’s past and present in preparation for a landmark apology ceremony set to take place...
September 4, 2024
CMA to livestream apology to Indigenous Peoples on Sept. 18
NationTalk: Victoria, B.C. – On Wednesday, Sept. 18, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) will publicly apologize for its role, and the role of the medical profession, in the past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the Canadian health system. The ceremony will be held on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ...
August 29, 2024
New healthcare project uses art to address Canadian healthcare biases
This free learning resource humanizes healthcare by combining arts and the humanities with science 1/4 H.E.A.L. Healthcare Project Graphic UNBC 2/4 H.E.A.L. Healthcare Curriculum, ‘Reckoning with Trans Medical Care through Poetry,’ encourages medical practitioners to confront biases and engage in thoughtful listening and writing about gender and poetry to better understand trans experiences. Jack Jen...
August 16, 2024
Open-Access, No-cost Anti-Colonial Learning Resource Offers Art to Transform Healthcare Systems Across Canada
NationTalk: Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC – The Hearts-based Education and Anti-colonial Learning in Healthcare (H.E.A.L. Healthcare) Project unlocks the potential of arts and humanities to disrupt longstanding and well-established health disparities. Starting from the premise that healthcare is both an art and a science, H.E.A.L. Healthcare uses poetry, storytelling, visual arts, and other...
August 16, 2024
Opening doors to healthcare: Indigenous youth discover diverse career paths at Niagara Health
NationTalk: The healthcare industry offers a wide range of unique career opportunities, and finding the right path becomes much easier with the right support and guidance. Aiming to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals, Niagara Health recently welcomed a group of enthusiastic Indigenous youth for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Marotta Family Hospital...
July 4, 2024
Indigenous health organizations implementing RNAO’s evidence-based guidelines gather in Northern Ontario
NationTalk: Health providers from the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s (RNAO) Best Practice Spotlight Organizations® (BPSO®) will meet in Thunder Bay for an inaugural knowledge-sharing event. Hosted by RNAO and developed with BPSOs, the Indigenous-Focused Symposium will take place between July 9 – 11, 2024 and celebrate the theme: Weaving Indigenous ways of knowing, being...
June 1, 2024
CMA reflects on National Indigenous History Month
NationTalk: Ottawa – The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is pleased to join people across the country in recognizing National Indigenous History Month. As we reflect on the rich history, resilience, diverse cultures and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, we must continue to work toward meaningful reconciliation. Canada’s legacy of colonialism and systemic racism...
May 31, 2024
June is National Indigenous History Month
NationTalk: June is National Indigenous History Month – a time to learn about and celebrate the rich history, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, while also recognizing the ongoing trauma and harm experienced by Indigenous peoples and building a path toward reconciliation. As a key entry point to our health system,...
May 17, 2024
Niagara Health releases first Indigenous Health Services Plan
NationTalk: Developed in collaboration with Indigenous leaders and community members by Niagara Health’s Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team, the Plan provides a clear focus to improve hospital services and experiences for Indigenous patients and their families. “The public launch of the Indigenous Health Services Plan is a testament to our commitment to improving hospital...
May 13, 2024
Building bridges: MGH program cultivates support and trust with Indigenous patients
May 13th, 2024 NEWS NationTalk: McGill University Health Centre – “More and more Indigenous patients are starting to hear about our program and the services that are there to support them. It makes us happy to know they may be less anxious when seeking medical treatment at the MUHC.” Camille Panneton and Sidonie Laurier are Indigenous...
May 6, 2024
Ensuring incoming cohorts of medical students better represent the diversity of Indigenous communities in Canada
Nicholas Brisebois and Nicole Cardinal NationTalk: May 6, 2024 CMAJ April 29, 2024 196 (16) E563-E565; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.231272 KEY POINTS It has become increasingly evident that First Nations people living on reserves and Indigenous people from rural and Northern communities have a substantially lower chance of getting into medical school in Canada than their urban counterparts. This often unappreciated disparity likely contributes...
April 8, 2024
Strengthening STEM pathways for Indigenous youth
A look back at the early impacts of seed2STEM, an innovative UBC summer research program for Indigenous youth in B.C. Former seed2STEM participant Dean Harris (far right) with colleagues from ICORD’s Orthopaedic and Injury Biomechanics Group. Credit: Martin Dee/ICORD. NationTalk: University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine – The seed2STEM summer research program recently received...
February 8, 2024
CMA engages in national conversations in advance of apology to Indigenous Peoples
NationTalk: The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is meeting with Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities across the country as part of our path to a public apology, on behalf of the CMA and as the national voice of physicians, for the medical harms caused to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. These conversations are opportunities for...
January 23, 2024
Maamwesying Ontario Health Team and Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre solidify Collaboration Agreement with signing ceremony
Carol Eshkakogan, CEO of Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc./Chair of the Maamwesying Ontario Health Team Leadership Council (left), and Jane Battistelli, President and CEO of Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre (right). – Photo supplied NationTalk: AnishinabekNews,ca – SAGAMOK ANISHNAWBEK (January 15, 2024) – Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc., as a core...
January 23, 2024
Mental-health support for Indigenous paramedic service in Quebec a ‘landmark partnership’
NationTalk: City News – Mental health support for Indigenous paramedic service in Quebec “Those tough calls do come and it’s good to have the proper resources to deal with them,” says paramedic Emilie Darrigade, now that First Nations Paramedics is partnered with Wounded Warriors Canada – the first in Quebec. Alyssia Rubertucci reports. A national...
December 11, 2023
Statement – CASN apologizes to Indigenous Peoples of Canada for Colonial harms resulting from nursing education
NationTalk: Ottawa, Ontario – We, the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), wish to express our deepest regret, apologizing to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada for harms, historical or contemporary, related to nursing education. We acknowledge that too often, access to nursing education has been inequitable and unjust for Indigenous Peoples. We...
December 6, 2023
Doctor hopes new app will help Inuit access medical care in Quebec
The Tukisiutik smartphone app provides medical terminology in Inuktitut, French and English APTN News: A new smartphone app called Tukisiutik promises to help Inuit from Nunavik and medical practitioners understand each other better. Healthcare workers and Inuktitut speakers from Nunavik, Inuit territory in northern Quebec, contributed to a digital glossary of medical terminology in Inutkitut, French and English....
December 1, 2023
Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus established to better serve Indigenous patients
APTN: Being able to help people with musculoskeletal issues will help save Canada’s economy billions of dollars says the head of a new organization called the Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus. “Musculoskeletal conditions account for $2.4 billion annually and that’s a high cost for physicians services, hospital services, and pharmaceuticals,” says Dr. Jennifer Ward, chair of the...
November 29, 2023
CASN Releases New Strategic Plan and Identifies Changes Needed to Ensure Quality Nursing Education in the Future
NationTalk: Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) issued a statement today announcing the release of a bold and courageous strategic plan for 2023–2028 and identifying the changes needed to ensure delivery of quality nursing education in Canada. The plan includes the following CASN objectives: Schools of nursing face significant funding barriers. Enrolments...
November 16, 2023
CancerCare Manitoba launches new Indigenous Community Profiles website
Author of the article: The Graphic Leade NationTalk: The Graphic Leader – CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB), in collaboration with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit partners, has developed a groundbreaking website to assist health care professionals in creating safer and more comprehensive care plans for patients returning to their communities. The Indigenous Community Profiles website serves as...
October 10, 2023
Letter of Relationship signed between Indigenous Health Circle and Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital
NationTalk: (Orillia, ON) Strengthening its highly valued partnership, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) has entered into a formal Letter of Relationship with the Indigenous Health Circle, an inclusive planning body that comprises Indigenous health service providers, health professionals, Indigenous communities, and various organizations throughout Simcoe County, Muskoka and surrounding areas. A signing ceremony took place...
October 4, 2023
Cornwall, Ont., hospital hires new Indigenous patient navigator
April White takes on role to better meet the needs of patients from Akwesasne CBC Indigenous: April White hopes her new role as an Indigenous patient navigator will help people from her community have a better experience seeking health care. The position is aimed at better meeting the needs of Indigenous patients and was created through a partnership...
September 27, 2023
New Brock-CAMH report calls for enhanced mental health, neurodiversity supports for Indigenous communities
NationTalk: Toronto – A newly released report co-led by Brock University and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) aims to create and strengthen supports and services for Indigenous Peoples with neurodevelopmental differences. Published this week, Forming the Circle: Report on the 2023 Gathering on Indigeneity, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities & Mental Health, calls for culturally relevant...
August 28, 2023
External ED Assessment Panel makes recommendations for Niagara Health
NationTalk: The independent third-party panel reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death of Indigenous patient Heather Winterstein in the St. Catharines Emergency Department (ED) in December 2021 released its final report and recommendations on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. As we work towards reconciliation, President and CEO Lynn Guerriero has committed to accountability and transparency and accepts all of...
August 8, 2023
Clear vision for the future: Canadian Ophthalmological Society celebrates Indigenous Children Eye Examination Project, impacting 6,000 lives to date
NationTalk: TORONTO – August marks Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, and as good vision is significantly important for a child’s growth and well-being, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) wants to raise awareness about the importance of eye exams and highlight the work that’s being done by the Indigenous Children Eye Examination (ICEE) project. To...
August 8, 2023
New Partnership Supports High-Quality Perinatal, Newborn And Child Healthcare For Indigenous Peoples In Ontario
NationTalk: Toronto, ON – The Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) and the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health (PCMCH) are pleased to announce a new partnership that aims to foster high-quality perinatal, newborn and child healthcare for Indigenous peoples in Ontario. This new strategic Relationship Agreement is entered into with a mutual spirit of...
August 6, 2023
Plants of the boreal forest: using traditional Indigenous medicine to create modern treatments
A research group in Quebec has been working for several years to explore the therapeutic potential hidden in boreal forest plants. In this context, “the traditional medicine of the First Nations is a precious asset,” the researchers write. Black Press file photo NationTalk: NNSL Media – Natural health products and phytomedicines (plant-based medicines) are used...
July 14, 2023
Nurse performs Halifax hospital’s 1st smudging ceremony — for her sister’s baby
‘We feel really empowered,’ says new mom Brittany Pennell after smudging at IKW Health Centre Nurse performs Halifax hospital’s 1st smudging ceremony — for her sister’s baby Click on the following link to listen to “As It Happens” https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/halifax-hospital-smudging-ceremony-1.6907186?cmp=newsletter_Evening%20Headlines%20from%20CBC%20News_1617_1187285 Nurse Courtney Pennell gets goosebumps whenever she thinks about performing her hospital’s first-ever smudging ceremony on...
July 4, 2023
Niagara Health first hospital in the world to purchase Indigenous-supplied, branded medical gloves
NationTalk: Niagara Health (July 3) – A unique partnership initiated by Niagara Health has led to a global first while putting the hospital on the path toward economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Niagara Health recently became the first hospital in the world[N1] to receive a shipment of Indigenous-supplied, acute care nitrile medical gloves. The gloves,...
June 26, 2023
‘It is who I am, deeply rooted in me’: York Region hospitals empower Indigenous Peoples with healing, smudging
Mackenzie Health, Oak Valley establish new smudging policies, Southlake introduces new Indigenous patient services NationTalk: YorkRegion.com – When there’s smoke, there may not necessarily be fire. Instead, smoke may mean there’s healing and smudging with sage, cedar, sweet grass and traditional tobacco. Recently, all the hospitals in York Region established policies to allow for smudging...
June 13, 2023
CMA announces the beginning of an apology process for harms to Indigenous Peoples in health care
NationTalk: In 2015, Ted Quewezance spoke on the floor of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) annual meeting, the first residential school survivor to address that gathering in its more than 150-year history. In a speech that brought many to tears (including me), Ted talked about Indigenous Peoples reaching out to the Canadian physicians, hoping that they would...
May 5, 2023
Doctors at this Toronto hospital can now refer Indigenous patients to a traditional healer
“The fact that we’re doing this within a hospital demonstrates that we believe these systems can work alongside one another.” Toronto Star: When Indigenous patients arrive at Women’s College Hospital they will see signs that traditional healing practices can be part of their care. Indigenous artwork is incorporated into hospital spaces, while posters placed at...
December 20, 2022
CASN and CINA release Indigenous Nursing Student and Faculty Survey Report, 2020-2021
NationTalk: Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (“CASN”) and the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association (“CINA”) issued a statement today announcing the release of the first Indigenous Nursing Student and Faculty Survey Report, 2020-2021 (“report”). “CASN is pleased to support this important project in partnership with CINA. It addresses the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (TRC) Action 23...
December 7, 2022
First Nations Health Managers Association and Canadian Partnership Against Cancer Relationship Agreement
NationTalk: Ottawa, ON (Unceded Territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation), December 7, 2022 – The First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA) and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership) signed a Relationship Agreement today that creates a foundation for collaboration between the two organizations for continued efforts towards improving cancer and health outcomes –– for...
February 27, 2021
Dr. Alika Fontaine is the new President of the Canadian Medical Association
Toronto Star – Dr. Alika Fontaine from Treaty 4 territory in southern Saskatchewan is the new President of the Canadian Medical Association. The CMA unites the medical profession in Canada to improve the health of Canadians and strengthen the health care system. Lafontaine co-led the Indigenous Health Alliance from 2013 to 2017, a “health transformation project”...
November 16, 2020
CAMH launches Shkaabe Makwa, Anishinaabe for “Spirit Bear helper”
Toronto Star – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto launches an Indigenous-led centre dedicated to improving health-care services for First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities. Shkaabe Makwa, Anishinaabe for “Spirit Bear helper”, “plans to meld Indigenous knowledge and traditions with medical research, training and healing models for caregivers serving Indigenous communities”. Dr. James...
November 1, 2020
Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing
Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing is the national voice for nursing education, research, and scholarship and represents baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in Canada. Strategic Plan 2019 – 2023 One of their 5 core objectives is: Advance leading practices, equity, and the national response to the TRC Calls to Action in nursing education and scholarship....
October, 2019
Canadian Public Health Association
The Canadian Public Health Association is the independent national voice and trusted advocate for public health, speaking up for people and populations to all levels of government. Policy Statement: Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, October, 2019 CPHA acknowledges that health is a basic human right and the Association takes a public health approach to achieve health...
August 2, 2019
Dalla Lana School of Public Health’s Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health
Dalla Lana School of Public Health’s Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health offers five days learning about Indigenous health in one of Canada’s first land-based learning courses. The move to land-based learning is an attempt to truly Indigenize the educational experience so that public health workers can begin to gain the kind of understanding they’ve been...
June 21, 2019
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
The Royal College is the national professional association that oversees the medical education of specialists in Canada, accredits the residency programs at 17 universities across Canada and also accredits the learning activities that physicians pursue in their continuing professional development programs. Indigenous Health Primer: Key messages Legislation and policies related to Indigenous people in Canada...
June 4, 2019
Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control 2019-2029
The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer’s “Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control 2019-2029 identifies three priorities for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. For each of these priorities, Peoples-specific actions were identified that help drive needed changes in outcomes and experience for all First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Priority 1 – Culturally appropriate care closer to home Priority...
May 23, 2019
Joint Commitment to Action on Indigenous Health
Founded in 1943, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) represents Canada’s 17 faculties of medicine and is the voice of academic medicine in this country. Our member faculties graduate over 2,700 MDs per year; teach over 11,500 undergraduate medical students; train over 15,000 postgraduate trainees; employ nearly 48,000 full and part-time faculty...
May 23, 2019
AFMC Joint Commitment on Indigenous Health
Founded in 1943, the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) represents Canada’s 17 faculties of medicine and is the voice of academic medicine in this country. Our member faculties graduate over 2,700 MDs per year; teach over 11,500 undergraduate medical students; train over 15,000 postgraduate trainees; employ nearly 48,000 full and part-time faculty...
June 21, 2018
Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
Committed $24 million in funding until 2022 to support improved cancer outcomes by supporting action on self-determined priorities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, organizations and communities. The investment of the Partnership will result in large-scale changes that deliver high-quality, culturally respectful cancer services and programs in all provinces and territories. the Partnership and...
June 6, 2018
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada will soon require all residency programs to provide Indigenous health and cultural safety training. Few programs are prepared or know what that training should include, according to medical educators at the recent Indigenous Health Conference in Toronto. Indigenous people often face racism and ignorance in health...
April, 2018
HealthCareCAN
HealthCareCAN, the national voice of action for health organizations and hospitals across Canada – was formed from the merger of the Canadian Healthcare Association and the Association of Canadian Academic Healthcare Organizations in January 2014. Bringing Reconciliation to Healthcare in Canada: Wise Practices for Healthcare leaders”. April 2018 The 10 identified Wise Practices includes the...
October 26, 2017
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
We share our expertise and maintain close working relations with Canada’s 17 university medical schools, national professional associations, national specialty societies, voluntary health organizations and government agencies. Our voice is respected and influential in critical discussions on issues that affect medical education, medical research and the delivery of high-quality health care to Canadians. On October...
May 16, 2016
Indigenous Health Alliance
The Indigenous Health Alliance was a 3-year project that arose in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action for health. It has a mission to eliminate the differences in quality of care between indigenous and non-indigenous patients. Most important, it is through a process led by indigenous peoples. In addition to many...
Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health Strategic Plan 2019 – 2024
Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) continue to experience serious health inequities in comparison to the general Canadian population. Changing the status quo requires introducing new knowledge. Research paradigms that are based on Indigenous cultures, values and beliefs and that are respectful of traditional Indigenous knowledges underpin the work ahead and the...