Racism at the hospital is still happening: B.C. First Nation [Video]

A British Columbia First Nation says racism in the health-care system persists despite efforts by the government and industry to combat the problem.

The Tsilhqot’in National Government says in a statement that it met with officials from Interior Health, the Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake last week to address the issue.

Tsilhqot’in Tribal Chair Joe Alphonse says racism within the local health system is limiting the Indigenous community’s access to care, and the problem is further exacerbated by a “dire shortage of doctors.”

The nation’s statement says the doctor shortage remains at Cariboo Memorial Hospital, and “racism at the hospital is still happening.”

In November 2020, the B.C. government released a report that found that “stereotyping, prejudice and racist treatment” were common experiences for Indigenous people seeking health care, and it recommended policy and legislation changes to protect patients.