National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In honor of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2024, the CMA wishes to acknowledge the areas of the TRC that pertain to regulatory colleges.

The National Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, most notably actions #22 to #24 which read:

22. We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.

23. We call upon all levels of government to: i. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health-care field. ii. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communities. iii. Provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals.

24. We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

As a member of the Canadian Midwifery Regulators Consortium (CMRC), over the last year, the CMA has been involved in creating a national statement and a new set of Entry-to-Practice Competencies for midwives in Canada. Please see the following:

Ending Anti-Indigenous Racism

Anti-Indigenous racism in the Canadian health care system has existed since its inception. CMRC acknowledges that systemic racism and discrimination towards Indigenous peoples adversely impact Indigenous peoples’ access to, and treatment in, health services. CMRC believes that anti-Indigenous racism is unacceptable in our society and joins other health care regulators and networks in condemning racist attitudes and behaviors among health care professionals, and in denouncing systemic racism within health care institutions, structures and policies.

Midwives have a responsibility to address racism and bias at the individual and system levels. Midwives are expected to provide culturally safe care and embrace cultural humility, and are called upon to identify and address power imbalances in the health care system. Adopting reflective practice allows midwives to understand personal and systemic biases and acknowledge the experience of others.

CMRC supports the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and in particular the Calls to Action relating to health and to the Canadian health care system. We recognize the importance of the Calls to Action and support their intention to redress the legacy of colonization and the residential school system, and advance the process of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

CMRC expects the Canadian Competencies for Midwives will support the midwifery profession in playing a key role in addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health care. Each of us has a responsibility to take positive action.

Midwives are expected to provide culturally safe care and embrace cultural humility, and are called upon to identify and address power imbalances in the health care system.

The CMA Council is also a member of NACM and encourages all readers to do the same.

Respectfully,

College of Midwives of Alberta