OTTAWA — Canada’s Governor General spoke at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues yesterday, marking her return to the international stage decades after first addressing the body as president of the Inuit Circumpolar Council.
Her speech focused on the importance of Indigenous self-determination, culture and community-led approaches to improving health outcomes.
She told delegates Indigenous Peoples must have a stronger role in shaping health systems, arguing lasting progress comes from within communities.
“The health of Indigenous Peoples is rooted in their culture and their self-determination,” she said.
The Governor General pointed to the lasting impacts of colonialism, including residential schools, as contributing factors to ongoing health challenges.
She said while progress has been made in Canada through reconciliation efforts, more work is needed to ensure health care systems reflect Indigenous realities, languages and ways of life.
She highlighted the need for culturally relevant care, including services delivered by people who understand local communities and traditions.
The Governor General also emphasized the role of education in supporting long-term change, pointing to initiatives aimed at increasing the number of Indigenous health professionals.
She cited the example of an Inuk medical student working to improve access to culturally appropriate care in northern communities.
The address also referenced broader efforts to strengthen Indigenous-led education, including the development of institutions rooted in Indigenous language and knowledge.
She told the forum that countries, including Canada, have made commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and must continue to follow through.
The Governor General urged the international community to support Indigenous leadership in transforming health systems, as discussions continue at the forum.
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