From apology to action: CPSM answers the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action in medical practice
In June 2021, CPSM prioritized addressing Indigenous-specific racism in medical practice.
An Indigenous Advisory Circle including Indigenous physicians, scholars, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers, was formed. They shared their stories, experiences, knowledge, and guidance with CPSM and in 2023, CPSM committed to 7 recommended actions.
The first action, which CPSM completed in 2023, was to apologize to First Nations people and the Inuit for the racism they have experienced in medical care in Manitoba.
Read the apologies here and here.
Four years after prioritizing confronting anti-Indigenous racism in medical care, CPSM has reached a pivotal moment in history.
On June 21, 2025, we introduced three actions marking a significant milestone in our path to reconciliation.
1. Cultural Safety and Anti-Indigenous Racism Training
To provide safe, trauma-informed, and equitable care, it is essential that all physicians in Manitoba have a foundational understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and the impacts of racism and discrimination.
All CPSM registrants are required to complete one of four pre-approved educational programs or an approved equivalent by October 31, 2027.
This responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Call to Action #23, which calls upon the government and healthcare educators to provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals.
2. The Standard of Practice for Practicing Medicine to Eliminate Anti-Indigenous Racism came into effect on June 21, 2025.
The Standard is the culmination of 16 months of development by a working group comprising members from the Indigenous Advisory Circle and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit individuals and organizations that helped inform its development. This Standard outlines actions, based on the Code of Ethics and Professionalism, that registrants should take to prevent racism against First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people in Manitoba.
3. Restorative Practices Program
Successful uptake of the Standard requires support. After listening to concerns, CPSM built the Restorative Practices Program to be helpful, educational, and supportive for registrants to implement the Standard in practice.
The program is supportive and educational and aims to help physicians navigate, problem-solve, and address care concerns. It introduces a non-punitive approach (where appropriate) based on Indigenous teachings and knowledge in ways of being. Its focus is on healing, restoring relationships, and preventing future harm.
Learn more, meet the team, and contact the program
This program responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Call to Action #22, as we center our approach on Indigenous practices and teachings
A Pipe Ceremony was held to launch the Restorative Practices Program. Read a recap or watch the video below.