The following statement from Susan Brown, Interior Health president & CEO, is in response to the report released Feb. 4, 2020 by Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond.
The important work led by Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond to investigate the extent to which Indigenous-specific racism exists in our health system, must mark a turning point for our province and our region.
Although it is difficult to hear and read the results of the investigation, and to understand the significant impacts of racism in the lives of First Nation and Métis people living in the southern Interior, it is also what drives us to change. We now have an accountability to respond.
I want to thank every person who shared their story and who contributed their experiences to Ms. Turpel-Lafond’s review, which was summarized in the In Plain Sight report released in November and was further detailed in the report released today.
Addressing Indigenous racism and discrimination is a priority for Interior Health. We are committed to working together with our First Nation and Métis partners to ensure each person who receives care and services from IH is treated with respect, dignity and compassion.
