In November of 2020, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond (Aki-Kwe) released the report In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Healthcare. The Indigenous-led report presented clear evidence of systemic, anti-Indigenous racism in BC’s Healthcare system. It found that Indigenous women, in particular, are disproportionately affected, as they experience discrimination and stereotyping along axes of both cultural background and gender. Indigenous women have a greater need for health services and bear a greater burden of poor health outcomes, yet they face inequitable access to health care when compared with any other population examined in the Review.

“Decolonizing Wellness: Indigenous Women’s Perspectives on Healthcare” takes place on the one year anniversary of the In Plain Sight Report. Bringing together Indigenous women in health leadership, the Dialogue will continue to explore the report’s findings, take stock of where we are now and explore possible solutions to the ongoing realities of anti-Indigenous racism and sexism within the healthcare landscape. Unique perspectives will be provided by scholars, policy-makers, practitioners, and other leaders that have the potential to influence positive change.

Co-facilitated by Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond (Aki-kwe), Dr. Margaret Moss, and Harmony Johnson, the Dialogue will consist of presentations, moderated discussions and Q&A sessions showcasing:

• Relevant context, reports and data, highlighting the current realities for Indigenous women in the healthcare system;
• What has been achieved in BC and other jurisdictions to create supportive healthcare systems, health equity, and support women’s wellness; and
• Indigenous women in leadership, including barriers, supportive conditions, and ways that building working coalitions amongst Indigenous women’s leadership can foster positive change.