Reference no: EM133541685

Question

It is a common research finding that western methods of mental health provision do not fit Indigenous communities or people. Another common finding is that many Indigenous folk who do show signs of mental resilience have adopted a "survivalist" mind set. Most recently, the findings of a review into racism, stereotyping and discrimination against Indigenous peoples in the B.C. health care system were presented to the B.C. government. The review, conducted by former judge Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond and resulting in a report entitled In Plain Sight, is based on consultations with nearly 9,000 people, including 2,780 Indigenous people and 5,440 health care workers. In Plain Sight describes findings of widespread systemic racism against Indigenous peoples in the B.C. health care system. In particular, 84% of Indigenous peoples described personal experiences of racism and discrimination that discouraged them from seeking necessary care and that reduced access to care, negatively affecting their health. These outcomes reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate the cycle of inequity. Realization that this research clearly describes Indigenous peoples as disadvantaged in our healthcare system and that this disadvantage is compounded by systemic and widespread racism is a call to action. As individual health care providers, it is fundamentally.