Systematic Racism In Healthcare
What does research show about injustice in healthcare?
There are many kinds of research done that show that Indigenous people are often mistreated or denied healthcare but many healthcare admins and staff say that there is no discrimination.
How was Brian Sinclair, an Indigenous man, sent to Winnipeg’s Health Science Center’s(HSC) Emergency ward a few blocks away?
He was sent there in a taxi with a wheelchair.
Who has jurisdiction over First Nation healthcare, the federal or provincial government?
Since the provincial government has the jurisdiction for health care and the federal government for “Indian” and “Indian” land. Both governments deny responsibility for Indigenous health care.
Who was Echaquan, and what happened to her?
She was 37 when she died but before she died she recorded a video of herself in pain and distress while the staff was laughing and saying she's better off dead.
After he got to HSC’s emergency ward, how was Brain Sinclair treated?
He was left there in a wheelchair, being ignored and unattended for 34 hours until he died of a complication with a bladder infection.
Who suffers because of this unclear jurisdiction?
Indigenous families suffer due to unclear jurisdiction, and the health care providers are also caught in the kerfuffle. This systematic failure leads people to do or believe that what they are doing is right.
What did the health minister say about the healthcare system?
He said that the systematic racism that Indigenous people are going through is because the system was designed that way.
Was the hospital charged with murder or put under investigation?
The Manitoba Gov didn’t call an investigation on the hospital but instead called for an inquest(fact check). After five years, the inquest finally began with 2 phases.
When did the federal government supply Indigenous communities with health services?
They assumed responsibility in the 1920s, and by the mid-1960s, most reserves had access to some health services that were delivered by federally employed nurses and interpreters.
How has the healthcare system been established?
The healthcare system was established on the premise that Indigenous people deserve less care than other Canadians. The goal was to set up social, educational, and healthcare services at the least amount of cost for Indigenous people. This was because of the goal that wasn't clearly stated but understood as segregating, assimilating, or eliminating Indigenous peoples.
What were the two phases that had been organized in the inquest?
Phase 1 consisted of examining the situation that had happened to lead to the death of Brain Sinclair. Phase 2 was in place to prevent this from happening again.
What conclusions did the federal government and First Nations come to?
Both believe that the province is responsible for some of the health services such as family physicians, specialist care and hospital-based care.
Did Indigenous people have access to health care on their reserve back then?
They had minimal service given to them by people with close to no medical experience. If they wanted better healthcare, then they would have to get permission from the Indian agent.
What was the Judge's verdict?
In January 2014, 6 years after Brian's death, the judge had decided that the issues of race, racism, poverty, disability and substance abuse were outside of the inquest's reach. This means that there would be no systemic racism analysis and the ignorance of Brian by the staff would not be examined.
How has the media made this situation worse?
The representation of the media showing the federal government’s high investments into health care and the poor healthcare in reserves shows that the Indigenous people are at fault for the bad healthcare but the truth remains that there is a cap on the healthcare budget for reserves.