The Indigenous Health Professions Program would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Joyce Echaquan. We are outraged at the behaviour and outright racism displayed by the health care professionals who were given the responsibility to care for her. At the same time, we are sad to say that we are not surprised, as systemic racism is pervasive in our society and within our health care system. The government has already received recommendations on how to combat systemic racism, and we ask that they make concrete changes without further delay. We call upon all health professional organizations and schools to take action and fight systemic racism. Implement anti-racism policies in your institutions and make cultural safety training mandatory for all current and future health care professionals. We also call for a full investigation into this incident, including a criminal investigation into her death.
Please join us in support of the Atikamekw Community of Manawan’s work towards ensuring is adopted at organizational, provincial and national levels. Learn more about Joyce’s Principle below.
Joyce’s Principle
Brief presented by the Council of the Atikamekw of Manawan and the Council de la Nation Atikamekw
November 2020
