Minister of Health and Social Services, Julie Green issued the following statement on the National Dialogue on Anti-Indigenous Racism in Healthcare:

“On June 28 and 29, 2021 I attended a virtual National Dialogue on Anti-Indigenous Racism in Healthcare. This was the third such meeting to discuss this issue among Indigenous, Federal, Provincial, and Territorial government leaders. Also participating in the dialogue were Indigenous health experts, Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers, and representatives from Indigenous and other health organizations, regulatory associations, and educational institutions.

“The issue of anti-Indigenous racism in our healthcare system has been around for as long the territorial government has provided healthcare to residents. The GNWT takes this matter very seriously, and we have certainly learned to do better from past incidents. One example is the work being done by the Department of Health and Social Services to review and complete an annual update to the Action Plan based on the Critical Incident Investigation Report Recommendations resulting from a horrible incident that took place in 2016 in which anti-Indigenous racism was a factor. The action plan and recommendations can be found at https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/action-plan-critical-incident-investigation-report-recommendations.

“We are embedding cultural safety throughout the health and social services system by strengthening staff capacity for cultural safety; honouring traditional knowledge and healing approaches in care; and improving client and community experiences.

“The GNWT is the primary healthcare service provider in the territory, and we are responsible for training all staff to deliver equitable and anti-racist service to all clients and patients. As a government we must ensure that healthcare workers are appropriately trained to suspend any assumptions they may have about an individual to whom they are providing service, particularly assumptions that are based on the race of that individual.

“We are committed to building a workforce that represents the people we serve. It is critically important for Indigenous people to be represented in adequate numbers across the healthcare system, beginning in post-secondary health education among staff and faculty positions that are not specifically attached to an Indigenous office or mandate. NWT residents have fortunately had the opportunity to attend a nationally recognized post-secondary program in nursing education at Aurora College since 1994. This program was created in response to a need for more nurses in northern communities and has earned a reputation of excellence across the country. The GNWT must continue to invest in this tremendously successful program to help ensure that Indigenous people are adequately represented in all levels of post-secondary health education.

“Another issue of concern is the experience of many Indigenous people as they try to navigate the complexities of the system. Several measures will be implemented in the NTHSSA  to address this issue, including; establishing four new positions to provide Indigenous Patient Advocates in each of our acute care units beginning this year. They will pilot a new approach to improving cultural safety and patient experience; supporting Indigenous patients in resolving concerns, complaints, and questions; and bridging cultural and language barriers. Additionally, through the establishment of an Indigenous Advisory Body (IAB) comprised of Indigenous representatives appointed by Indigenous governments, the Department of Health and Social Services receives guidance and advice on ways to infuse cultural safety, Indigenous tradition, culture, and healing practices into all aspects of our health system.

“Progress is being made toward the elimination of anti-Indigenous racism in the NWT healthcare system. We have work to do to achieve the national standards being discussed, and the GNWT is committed to doing the work and to meeting and exceeding those standards.”

For media requests, please contact:

Ali Kincaid

Manager, Cabinet Communications

Executive and Indigenous Affairs

Government of the Northwest Territories

ali_kincaid@gov.nt.ca

867-767-9140 Ext. 11095