A sign of racism
The sign was posted in a doctor’s office in Miramichi, N.B. for all to see: “Attn: Native patients. Please don’t ask for tranquilizers or pain medications.” The reason behind the note is irrelevant. The message is abundantly clear. It was a crushing rejection for a First Nation cancer patient who went there looking for pain management.
Was it racist? Yes. Was it insensitive? Yes. Is it a symptom of a disturbing attitude towards indigenous peoples? Apparently so.
The Eel Ground First Nation rightfully sought an apology because the note labelled the aboriginal community as chronic prescription drug abusers. The note marginalized one group of people, even though all cultures and communities are suffering from addiction issues and opioid abuse.
The sign broke hearts, caused tears and provided proof that racism is alive and well in our healthcare system. It was denying certain medications based on race. First Nations are being stigmatized from seeking help.
The note is a clear sign that many Canadians have a long way to go before the recommendations and goals of the truth and reconciliation commission are achieved.
The note apparently was posted after Health Canada sent a letter to the doctor advising caution about a program which funds medications provided to First Nations residents. Shouldn’t there be a need for caution when prescribing any drug to any Canadian? Are physicians treating some patients differently than others? That is discrimination.
The timing of the story made the incident even more outrageous. Wednesday was National Aboriginal Day as indigenous peoples across Canada celebrated their culture, achievements and history.
Often, our political leaders seem to find a way to stumble their way around indigenous issues. At a Monday ceremony in Ottawa honouring First Nations achievers, Gov. Gen. David Johnston apologized for suggesting that indigenous people were immigrants to Canada. He said, “We’re a country based on immigration, going right back to our Indigenous people who were immigrants as well, 10, 12, 14,000 years ago.” There was a firestorm of criticism because the comment reflected a deep-seated, colonial mentality. Oops.
There are, however, some positive signs. Wednesday, a thorn in the side of many First Nations leaders was removed when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his office building would no longer bear the name of Hector-Louis Langevin, a father of Confederation and an architect of the much-hated ‘Indian’ residential school system.
Mr. Trudeau was reacting to concerns from many indigenous communities and their deep pain about a building that carries a name so closely associated with the horrors of residential schools.
The PM also announced that National Aboriginal Day would now be referred to as the more inclusive National Indigenous Peoples Day. And Nova Scotia is considering a suggestion that it might be time for a Mi’kmaq seat in the provincial legislature.
They might be baby steps but we are trying to reach the goal of being an inclusive country for all Canadians – one positive sign at a time.