‘Grave betrayal’: Indigenous woman’s hair cut without consent at Royal University Hospital

The Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.

The First Nation Health Ombudsperson is demanding accountability from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) after a First Nations woman had her hair shaved without consent while she was medically incapacitated.

A release from the ombudsperson office says 54-year-old Corina Morin was unable to provide informed consent when a registered nurse shaved her head “without a formal policy or assessment guiding the action.”

Morin died in hospice care last month, and her family says the event was distressing and has left lasting emotional scars.

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“This is a grave betrayal of trust and a violation of cultural safety,” Dianne Lafond, First Nations Health Ombudsperson, said in the release.

“It’s deeply alarming — this is the second time in two years at this same facility, and the fourth case brought to our office. These patterns cannot be ignored. This must end now.”

On Aug. 1, the SHA enacted the Indigenous Hair Cutting Policy for all staff. The new policy requires staff to get consent before cutting the hair of Indigenous patients. The policy states hair should only be cut when medically necessary, like for head trauma and brain or head surgery.

Last August, Ruben St. Charles slipped at his home and broke his hip. The Métis man went to Royal University Hospital and was told hip surgery was needed. When he woke from his surgery, he soon realized his hair was cut off.

“This is not an isolated incident,” First Nations Health Ombudsperson Board Chair Heather Bear said.

“We hear how much treatments such as this one impacts the individuals and families. I would like to know how the Saskatchewan Health Authority is going to implement this policy, and to ensure that it is being adhered to.”

The office says no one has apologized or followed-up with the Morin family. Lafond says she is moving forward with a formal complaint, seeking accountability and justice.