Representatives from MKO, Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin, and the Northern Health Region say the declaration aims to reduce barriers for Indigenous people seeking care and lessen the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients.

MKO’s Client Navigator Bernice Thorassie says she’s received 14 hundred calls from Indigenous patients who’ve experienced racism while receiving healthcare between January and June of this year.

The NRHA says this is one step towards correcting long-standing wrongs, with CRO Helga Bryant apologising to northern Indigenous patients who’ve been impacted by racism in the healthcare system.

The organizations have committed to releasing biannual reports to track progress towards this endeavour, the first expected to be released in about a half-year’s time.