The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations says its planned First Nation Health Ombudsperson’s Office is more important than ever to address racism, stereotyping and discrimination within Canada’s health care system. This comes after Joseph Naytowhow, a Cree Elder of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation visited a Saskatoon clinic for a painful medical condition and a doctor immediately asked him “whether he took drugs and alcohol” according to a FSIN news release. Naytowhow left the clinic without being examined and was later diagnosed with a serious viral infection after having gone to the emergency room. “Sturgeon Lake First Nation leadership are discussing our concerns of how our members are being treated within hospital settings in Saskatchewan.” said Chief Christine Littlejohn of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

FSIN Vice Chief David Pratt says “This incident of racial stereotyping by the medical community is the latest of many complaints of systemic racism within Canada’s health care system that must be brought to the attention of the highest health authorities for resolution. In February, the FSIN announced plans to establish the first ever First Nation Health Ombudsperson’s Office in Saskatchewan. The office will serve as a point of contact for First Nations people who are looking to report incidents of discrimination when accessing health care services in the province.