National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023
September 29, 2023
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In honour of survivors, their families and communities, we hope you join us in reflecting on the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada, and what you can do to achieve mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Please note the AMA offices and phone lines will be closed Monday, October 2 in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Regular business hours will resume Tuesday October 3.
First Nations life expectancy: a deeply concerning drop
Recent First Nations mortality statistics offer a stark reminder of the challenges facing Indigenous health on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
In the last issue of MD Scope, the Indigenous Health Committee (IHC) of the AMA shared a resource guide for community physicians intended to help them learn more about the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. Now IHC is sharing an infographic that illustrates a deeply concerning drop in First Nations life expectancy.
As Dr. Cara Bablitz, chair of IHC, explains, “It is difficult to believe that this is the reality we are facing in Canada in 2023. Life expectancy for First Nations males is 18 years less than non-First Nations males and is similar to what we saw for Canadian life expectancy during the 1930s. It's unfathomable and unacceptable that this gap continues to increase.”
Zoom presentation on October 1: Indigenous Health in Alberta with Dr. Esther Tailfeathers
Dr. Tailfeathers will address the current situation of Indigenous health in the province and measures that were taken prior to her resignation of the Indigenous Wellness Core. She will elaborate on the importance of including Indigenous voices in the decision-making process as opposed to political decision making from non-informed politicians.
