The association that represents Canadian physicians issued an apology at a ceremony in Victoria for their part in contributing to the racism and abuse against Indigenous people.

On Wednesday, Sept, 18, delegates from the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and dozens of representatives from Indigenous tribes across the country gathered at the Victoria Conference Centre where the CMA issued their apology.

The event opened with acknowledgements from Esquimalt and Songhees Nation representatives, and a performance from the Lekwungen Traditional Dancers.

"I have always believed we need to know the truth before we can have reconciliation," said Jimmy Durocher, a Metis veteran from the Red River Metis settlement. "I've always believed in that, by issuing this formal apology, the Canadian Medical Association has taken the first steps and its commitment to seeking the truth."

Dr. Paula Cashin, a Mi'kmaq physician from Newfoundland, spoke about the maltreatment of Indigenous peoples from the Canadian medical system, mentioning racial segregation, "substandard" care for Indigenous people, experimental treatments and "forced and coerced sterilization".

"Although most [Indigenous] hospitals are now closed, the country is still in the process of moving away from the segregated, racist healthcare model that the Indian hospital system perpetuated," she said. "The medical system has a history of exhibiting and accepting racist colonial and paternalistic attitudes towards Indigenous peoples. Many Indigenous peoples suffered mistreatment and lack of care. In many cases, this led to ongoing health issues and death."

CMA president Dr. Joss Reimer recognized the systemic and physical harms caused by the Canadian medical system, and hopes they can rebuild their relationships on the foundation's of "trust, accountability and reciprocity".

"We accept responsibility for the CMA's actions and inactions. We know there is nothing we can do to take back what has been done. We can only move forward, beginning with our commitment to work in partnership and in reciprocity with Indigenous peoples to advance reconciliation in healthcare; we humbly acknowledge that we are on a learning journey," Reimer told the crowd.

She said the CMA continues to work with elders, knowledge keepers and other Indigenous partners to further their path to reconciliation despite it being an "emotionally, spiritually and mentally taxing process to relive painful memories and share intimate community knowledge".

"Their courage to trust and take steps alongside us does not go unnoticed. They have guided, pushed and kindly shared with us," she said.