Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, almost 20 years ago the Department of Health and Social Services was "encouraged to hire competent traditional healers in situations where their expertise and knowledge may be beneficial in treating a patient."
It wasn’t the first recommendation like that, and it wasn’t the last. We heard it again just last year in the Report on Needs for Aboriginal Wellness at Stanton Territorial Hospital Authority, yet we still lag behind other jurisdictions in Canada. We might no longer see Indigenous medicine practices expressly criminalized, but it is clear that significant bureaucratic obstacles remain.
Mr. Speaker, Canadian law and policy historically made elders and medicine people unable to practice openly, and younger people skeptical, ashamed, and afraid, breaking knowledge cycles. With good reason, then, Indigenous people today may be unwilling to discuss medicine practices with physicians or nurses who, in turn, are likely unfamiliar with their patients’ culture and traditions. Today, the cycle continues.
Indeed, western and Indigenous medicine traditions are often at odds. Even if a physician is open to talking about medicine practices, they may not understand that such discussion is highly unusual. They are just as perplexed by this as an Indigenous medicine person could be if asked to speak openly of their sacred knowledge or set a price on their practices.
What does this mean in practical terms? Not only are Indigenous medicines poorly integrated into healthcare, but there is also significant debate on how much it should be integrated at all. Meanwhile, Indigenous people pay the price. Attempts at a traditional food program at Stanton, hampered by food inspection rules and red tape, are a prime example, Mr. Speaker.
Other jurisdictions have found ways to serve their people. In Northern Ontario, the Noojmowin Teg Health Centre combines primary care with traditional Anishinaabe practices, while the Metis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan has operated for almost 50 years. In Nunavik, the Inuulitsivik Health Centre supported the reintroduction of Inuit midwifery, and at the Whitehorse General Hospital, the First Nations Health Program brings Indigenous medicine into patient services.
Mr. Speaker, it is past time for the NWT to step up. I know the government's role is not an easy one. The National Aboriginal Health Organization warns of risks in the "institutionalization of tradition" and the need for Indigenous medicine to maintain autonomy from the state, but the GNWT has a responsibility to serve public health and that means Indigenous peoples, too. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Members' statements. Member for Hay River North.
