AMC, First Nations calling for change to health care to end racism

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs led a march against racism in the health-care system.

Calling for change in the health-care system. That was the focus of a walk and rally held by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Tuesday.

The AMC alleges Indigenous people face racism in the health-care system and want to see equitable and culturally safe health care for First Nations people in Manitoba.

“In Manitoba, there are far too many stories of First Nations patients being disrespected, being profiled, or being taken advantage of. This means there is already a distrust in the system, and that broken trust must be repaired,” said Chanel Carlson, one of the speakers at the event.

The story of Justin Flett was shared during the rally. Flett has sued two health authorities in the province after he alleged he was dismissed at two hospitals in 2023, which eventually led to a ruptured appendix.

In the lawsuit, he said his symptoms were dismissed, and one doctor told him, “We don’t treat you here for hangovers.”

“We will not ignore racism in health care. We all know what is happening is wrong,” said Carlson. “Patients should feel safe, cared for, and respected every step of the way.”

Sara Rommelaere, the director of health for AMC, said there are many good people in the health-care system, and they need to be raised up, but it’s the bad apples that cause harm throughout the system.

“Those folks need to be identified. Those systemic errors and problems need to be identified, and we need to hold them to account,” said Rommelaere.

“First Nations folks are some of the sickest within the Manitoba region, and we access health care at a greater rate. We need to ensure that when we are accessing the health-care systems, that we’re comfortable in doing so and that there are policies, procedures in place to keep us safe.”