“Breaking Barriers and Healing Communities: The Progress and Challenges for Indigenous Doctors in Canada’s Health-care System
Ever since she was a little girl, Kelsey Allen dreamed of becoming a doctor. But for Allen, a 25-year-old medical student from the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation in Newfoundland, the road to her dream is laden with obstacles, including racism and a lack of Indigenous representation in the health-care system. As she navigates through medical school at McMaster University in Ontario, Allen is acutely aware that the system was not designed for her as an Indigenous woman.
Allen, like many aspiring Indigenous doctors, aims to break free from the mold of the “western doctor” and embrace a holistic approach that acknowledges patients as more than just their symptoms or diseases. She wants to serve her community back home and make a difference in Indigenous health care.
As Canada observes its third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Indigenous doctors note that progress has been made in the health-care field, thanks to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action. One of these calls to action, number 23, specifically demands an increase in the number of Indigenous professionals working in health care.
Dr. Alika Lafontaine, past president of the Canadian Medical Association, celebrates the improvements in Indigenous representation and considers it an exciting time. He has witnessed more Indigenous professionals entering specialties that are particularly needed within Indigenous communities. Additionally, there is a noticeable shift towards building clinics in areas where Indigenous people live. However, Lafontaine acknowledges that there is still a long way to go before reaching parity and closing the enormous gaps in the system.
Dr. Michael Dumont, a medical director at the Lu’ma Medical Centre in Vancouver and vice-president of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, echoes these sentiments. Dumont emphasizes the underrepresentation of Indigenous health-care workers and the need for more Indigenous doctors to build trust among patients. To transform the system and make it safer for all, Dumont calls for an internal change that values Indigenous communities.
Indigenous students face numerous challenges, from financial constraints to a lack of support. One significant struggle is their perpetual battle with their identity and the fear of not being accepted in urban settings. For Allen, the issue of being “white-passing” poses both advantages and disadvantages. While it allows her to hide her Indigenous identity in hostile environments, it also risks non-acceptance due to her appearance. Indigenous youth embarking on the medical training journey face unique challenges, often stemming from self-confidence and the lack of historical representation.
To ensure preparedness and successful transitions back into their communities, efforts need to be made to support and equip students adequately.
Alongside the calls for increased representation, the recognition of Indigenous healing practices within the Canadian health-care system is crucial. The TRC’s calls to action acknowledge the value of these practices in providing culturally-relevant health services for Indigenous Peoples. Traditional healing methods and elders promote a positive cultural identity and contribute to better mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Partnerships between medical centers and traditional healers are becoming more prevalent, leading to an exchange of knowledge and a broader scope of care in Canadian health-care systems.
Ultimately, the goal is to integrate traditional healing practices with western medicine to provide holistic care that promotes overall well-being. By breaking down barriers, improving representation, and embracing Indigenous healing practices, Canada’s health-care system can transform into a safer and more inclusive environment for Indigenous communities.
As we reflect on the progress made in Indigenous health care on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us acknowledge the steps taken and the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can work towards building a system that not only values every individual’s unique journey but also ensures equal access and quality care for all.”
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