The BC College of Family Physicians (BCCFP) is deeply saddened by the the discovery of 93 unmarked graves at the site of a former B.C. residential school in Williams Lake. We offer our heartfelt condolences to all survivors of the residential school system, their descendants, their families, and their communities.
This discovery is another terrible reminder of the profound injustices inflicted on First Nations in British Columbia by the forced removal of children to attend residential schools and the pervasive harm, neglect, violence, and systemic racism perpetrated in those schools.
Anti-Indigenous racism is not only a historical issue for our province, but an ongoing lived reality for many people. The mental and physical health impacts of residential schools continue to be felt every day across British Columbia.
The BCCFP reaffirms our commitment to advocating for cultural safety and humility in family medicine practice. It is our priority to demonstrate and promote anti-racist approaches to address health equity.
We encourage family physicians to engage in self-directed learning on the history of residential schools and colonialism in Canada. An understanding of this context of trauma is essential when caring for Indigenous communities.
What you can do now
- Read the report In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care
- Read about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canadaand its 94 calls to action
- View and share this resource from On Canada – Settlers Take Action
- Engage in trauma-informed practice
- Review our cultural safety and humility resource directory– engage in reading or online webinars/courses to enhance your understanding
