(Ottawa, ON) – September 19, 2024 – The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has taken an important step in the Reconciliation journey by issuing a public Apology at a ceremony on the Traditional Territory of the lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ speaking people of Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, or Victoria, BC.

The Apology was issued by Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the CMA and it comes at a time when many Canadians are learning more about the role that the Canadian medical systems played, either directly or indirectly, in the care of Indigenous Peoples. The Canadian Medical System has a long and volatile history in Indigenous communities, a history of neglect, experimentation, lack of resources, and outright discrimination. In issuing its Apology, the CMA is recognizing and taking accountability for the harm that has been caused to Indigenous Peoples, their ancestors and communities.

The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) has long acknowledged the existence of medical racism and has addressed it in our exhibition, Cruel and Unethical Medical Experimentation. “The apology from the CMA is a significant step forward in the journey toward Reconciliation. In acknowledging the harms caused to Indigenous Peoples we are beginning to see more and more accountability and even transparency when it comes to the experiences and impacts on our people from the Medical System. Reconciliation, of course, goes beyond words and should be demonstrated through tangible actions to ensure that Indigenous Peoples receive adequate and equitable care from medical professionals. We applaud the CMA for taking such a major step forward,” said Adam North Peigan, LHF Board President.

This Apology from the Canadian Medical Association to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples may bring up a stir of emotions. There are various support lines available, including The Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419, the Hope For Wellness Line at 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at www.hopeforwellness.ca (support is available in English and French, and upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut), and the Suicide Crisis Helpline by call or text at 988.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 24 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate Canadians about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential and Day School Systems and subsequent Child Welfare System on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities to address discrimination against Indigenous Peoples, and to promote hope and healing in Canada. The LHF works to encourage Canadians to address discrimination and injustice to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples.

The LHF has 30 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow and is working on making exhibitions available online. LHF also has curriculums for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops, and Training, two Podcast series, all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Child Welfare System, and other colonial acts of oppression. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding to eliminate ongoing racism against Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation in Canada.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Teresa Edwards, B.A., LL.B / J.D.
Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel
Legacy of Hope Foundation
tedwards@legacyofhope.ca