News
The CFPC’s statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
2025-09-30
This September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) acknowledges and recognizes the devastating legacy of the residential school system in Canada. We honour Survivors, their families, and communities.
“This day is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about residential schools and the ongoing intergenerational trauma experienced by survivors and their families,” said Dr. Mike Allan, CEO of the CFPC. “Indigenous-specific racism is systemic within the health care system and continues to harm First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. The CFPC will continue to work within our sphere of influence to create a more equitable and culturally safe health care system for Indigenous people and everyone in Canada.”
In 2022 the CFPC, in collaboration with the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC), issued a Declaration of Commitment to Cultural Safety and Humility in Health Services Delivery for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis People in Canada. Through this long-term commitment, the CFPC strives to promote culturally safe care and to address the racism that Indigenous people still face in accessing health care in Canada. This work is done in partnership with IPAC and with guidance from the CFPC’s Indigenous Health Committee, and its Declaration of Commitment Action Plan.
“Signing the Declaration was just the first step,” said Dr. Carrie Bernard, the CFPC’s President. “The CFPC continues to actively work toward a health care system free from barriers and harms to Indigenous people through our work in education relating to Indigenous health. Our Declaration Action plan keeps us moving in a positive direction.”
The Declaration’s efforts are aligned with the relevant recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The CFPC is committed to its journey of cultural safety and humility and encourages members, staff, and partners to continue their own learnings. The CFPC developed a resources list to help.
Other CFPC initiatives include:
- Indigenous Health supplement to the CanMEDS-FM 2017 competency framework, defining the key roles family physicians play in meeting unique health needs of Indigenous people. The document is an invaluable resource in developing medical curriculum to ensure provision of culturally safe care.
- Indigenous Health Case Study Compendium (Second Edition) to broaden the foundation of knowledge for family physicians, medical trainees, and educators to better engage in care that authentically respects Indigenous peoples’ right to health justice (updated in 2024 to include a facilitator’s guide).
- Infographics that illustrate the specific roles a family physician plays when addressing the health of Indigenous people at the individual, practice, and community levels: Collaborator, Communicator, Family Medical Expert, Health Advocate, Leader, Professional, and Scholar.
