Declaration to Eliminate All Forms of Indigenous-Specific Racism

Indigenous-Specific Racism Definition

The unique nature of stereotyping, bias and prejudice about Indigenous Peoples in Canada that is rooted in the history of settler colonialism. It is
the ongoing race-based discrimination, negative stereotyping, and injustice experienced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada that perpetuates power imbalances, systemic discrimination and inequitable outcomes stemming from colonial policies and practices (Turpel-Lafond, 2020).

Land Acknowledgment

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO), Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM) and Northern Regional Health Authority (NRHA)
acknowledge that we are situated on Treaty 5, 6, and 10 Territory and that Manitoba is located on the traditional and ancestral lands of the
Anishinaabeg, Anishininew, Denesuline, Nehethowuk, Ininiwak, Nêhiyawak Nations. We acknowledge that Manitoba is situated on the homeland
of the Red River Métis and ancestral lands of the Dakota. We respect waters, land, histories, language and cultures of First Nations, Métis and
Inuit whose presence enriches Canadian society.
We respect and acknowledge that we are all connected through the Spirit and Intent of Treaties and Treaty Making and remain committed to
working in collaboration and partnership that will encompass equity, justice, truth and reconciliation. The term “Indigenous” means First Nations,
Métis, and Inuit inclusively. We acknowledge the unique status of Indigenous Peoples in Manitoba and Canada.

Preamble

Health care is a human right (UN General Assembly, 1996, art.12). MKO, KIM and NRHA acknowledge that racism against Indigenous
Peoples in Canada exists and stems from colonization. Racism towards Indigenous Peoples is expressed through stereotypes, discrimination,
stigmatization, violence and harmful colonial systems. Indigenous-specific racism harms physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, and
can lead to death. The long-term impact is a loss of trust in health systems that results in reduced utilization of services, and, ultimately, to poorer
health outcomes for Indigenous People, including higher incidents of complex health care needs from preventable conditions, and premature death.
MKO, KIM and NRHA acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples are stewards of waters, lands, medicines, and holistic wellness among their Nations.
Space for Indigenous Knowledge is essential for transforming systems to improve health outcomes. This Declaration to Eliminate All Forms of
Indigenous-Specific Racism is founded in shared values and principles that include Indigenous knowledge, traditional medicines, and practices.
This declaration reflects the high priority we, MKO, KIM and NRHA, place on eliminating all forms of racism towards Indigenous Peoples in our
health region. Our goal is to ensure equitable access to safe, respectful, timely, high-quality healthcare. This collaboration between MKO, KIM and
NRHA lays the foundation to develop and implement Indigenous-specific racism strategies and polices that will address health inequities among
Indigenous Peoples in the North.
This declaration is considerate of commitments and calls to action from: the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (articles 18-24); National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous
Women and Girls: Calls for Justice; Out of Sight, report into the Death of Brian Sinclair; Joyces Principle, and other articles underscoring the
urgency and importance of understanding and addressing racism as a determinant of Indigenous health.

Commitments

MKO, KIM and NRHA commit to identify and eliminate Indigenous-specific racism and work together to address the harms of historical, current
and ongoing colonization by changing systems, organizational structures, policies, practices and attitudes. Together, MKO, KIM and NRHA, will
work towards real and effective health system changes. We will address healthcare gaps, barriers and other factors that contribute to individual,
structural, and institutional racism towards Indigenous Peoples of Northern Manitoba. We will move forward collectively and inclusively with
Indigenous perspectives and worldviews.

Affirmation

MKO, KIM and NRHA affirm the responsibility and commitment to working towards building a healthcare system that is free from racism for
Indigenous Peoples and all citizens of Northern Manitoba. MKO, KIM and NRHA shall conduct a bi-annual review to ensure progress and
accountability of efforts to eliminate racism within the Northern Regional Health Authority. This Declaration to Eliminate all Forms of Indigenous-
Specific Racism is endorsed by the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. and Northern Regional
Health Authority.

Signed on Treaty Five Territory in Thompson, Manitoba on the 26th day of September, 2022

This document was developed in a collaborative manner which was Indigenous lead and powered by women.