Five years have passed since the tragic death of Joyce Echaquan in a Quebec hospital, yet the treatment of Indigenous individuals in the province’s healthcare system still requires significant improvement, according to politicians and advocates.
Echaquan, a 37-year-old mother of seven from Manawan, captured disturbing footage on Facebook Live as derogatory and racist comments were directed at her by a nurse and orderly while she was in distress at a hospital in Joliette, Quebec, shortly before her passing on September 28, 2020.
This video went viral, sparking national outrage and condemnation. The Quebec government acknowledges the need to rebuild trust in the healthcare system for Indigenous people, while emphasizing ongoing efforts to address the issue.
While a coroner determined Echaquan’s death to be accidental due to pulmonary edema, a 2021 report highlighted the role of systemic racism in contributing to her death and recommended that the Quebec government confront and eradicate this issue from institutions.
Calls have been made for the adoption of Joyce’s Principle, which aims to ensure equal access to social and health services for all Indigenous individuals without discrimination. Despite some efforts, the principle has not yet been implemented in Quebec.
Efforts have been made, such as providing cultural awareness training for healthcare staff, underlining the importance of recognizing and addressing Indigenous perspectives. However, challenges remain in fully implementing cultural safety practices and combating discrimination effectively.
