November 30, 2021
(Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) The First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) marks the one-year anniversary of the release of In Plain Sight, the reports of the independent review of Indigenous-specific racism in BC’s health care system, led by Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. In Plain Sight provided seminal and evidence-based insight into the pervasive challenges, trauma, and colonial violence confronting Indigenous peoples due to systemic racism in the BC health care system.
The FNLC thanks Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, her team, and all participants for guiding the way to overdue change and helping transform a health-care landscape that has for too long neglected, marginalized, and discriminated against Indigenous Peoples. On this anniversary, the FNLC notes aspects of significant progress, including amendments to the BC Human Rights Code, appointment of BC First Nations people into leadership roles across the health system, and efforts to renew First Nations health plans and governance structures.