The CFPC commits to equity and humility in Indigenous health

2022-12-05

(Mississauga, ON) On November 10, 2022, the College of Family Physicians of Canada™ (CFPC), with the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, signed a formal Declaration of Commitment to Cultural Safety and Humility in Health Services Delivery for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis People in Canada.

The Declaration formalizes the CFPC’s commitment to a proactive approach to identify and pursue efforts that will result in addressing the systemic racism experienced by Indigenous people in their interactions with the health care system. These efforts will be strongly aligned with the relevant recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Declaration follows the format established by the BC First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) that was used in projects with organizations such as Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The FNHA was closely involved in planning and conceptualizing the November 10th ceremony.

The ceremony itself was carried out by Indigenous leaders from Ontario—Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Elder Valarie King, Cree/Métis/Micmac Elder Blu Waters, and Inuk Knowledge Keeper Meeka Uniuqsaraq. More than 200 participants gathered as part of the 2022 Family Medicine Forum to witness the ceremony and the signing of the Declaration.

“Equity is a key priority for the College of Family Physicians of Canada,” said Dr. Lawrence Loh, the College’s Executive Director and CEO. “The discrimination and the subpar health outcomes experienced by Indigenous patients across Canada cannot continue. We are proud to do our part to address it through education and support to our members, who strive to do better in this important area.”
 
Dr. Darlene Kitty, a Cree physician and Chair of the College’s Indigenous Health Committee, went on to say, “The Declaration is an important milestone in the CFPC’s work as it strives to better represent Indigenous health during residency training and through continuing professional development. We need as many organizations as possible to do their part to ensure our patients receive care that is culturally safe and is rooted in humility and openness to learning.”

Following the signing of the Declaration, the College intends to produce regular reports on its activities in the area of Indigenous health, inviting input from a range of Indigenous organizations to ensure this work remains authentic and productive. The CFPC also intends to collaborate closely with the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, and make sure the work is carried out in consultation with a broad spectrum of Indigenous organizations.

About the College of Family Physicians of Canada
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) is the professional organization that represents more than 42,000 members across the country. The College establishes the standards for and accredits postgraduate family medicine training in Canada’s 17 medical schools. It reviews and certifies continuing professional development programs and materials that enable family physicians to meet certification and licensing requirements. The CFPC provides high-quality services, supports family medicine teaching and research, and advocates on behalf of the specialty of family medicine, family physicians, and the patients they serve.

Contact
Courtny Vaz
Marketing and Communications Client Liaison
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 905-629-0900, ext. 573