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BC's Health Authority released a statement today regarding the investigation into allegations of a racist "Price is Right" game in provincial hospitals that involved guessing Indigenous patient's blood alcohol content.
This statement comes after the allegations about the game being played in emergency rooms were unfounded. Though they weren't proven, widespread racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples in the BC health-care system was found.
The BC Health Authority accepted the outcome from the report and committed to implementing all recommendations to support the affected people. They are set to work with Indigenous health and community leaders to make sure this doesn't continue to happen.
"The report’s first finding bears repeating – Widespread Indigenous-specific stereotyping, racism and discrimination exist in the B.C. health-care system," wrote the BC Health Authority. "To the generations of Indigenous peoples who have lived these experiences and those who continue to face harm, we apologize for our actions and our inaction in righting wrongs. To health authority Indigenous employees and physicians, we apologize to you as well for the impacts you have experienced."
"We want to reinforce that racism has no place in our facilities, programs and services, or our society."
They went on to commend judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, the leader of the investigation, as well as the almost 9,000 Indigenous people who stood up and shared their stories.
The authority vowed to follow the words of Te'ta-in Shane Point, the knowledge keeper of the report, and "bring dignity to those who can't afford it."
"The absolute clarity of these words and what the words mean to those who receive care in our facilities, and through our programs and services, describe the work in front of us. As leaders in health-care service delivery, and as collaborative partners in creating a healthy society for all we have the privilege to serve, this is our responsibility and our accountability to you."
For more on the investigation, click here.
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