Identifying Priorities to Address First Nations-specific Racism in the Health Care System in Partnership with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer at First Nations Health Authority in BC

Indigenous-specific racism has been identified as an undeclared public health emergency by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (OCMO) at the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia (BC). The 2020 In Plain Sight report found that Indigenous-specific racism in the BC health care system was common and widespread. In response, our project will bring together a team of Indigenous health researchers, health systems leaders, physicians and a trainee to identify action-oriented priorities and pathways to address First Nations-specific racism in the BC health care system. Our objectives are to: 1) foster a collaborative partnership between Indigenous health researchers and research users (health systems leaders and physicians) from the OCMO ; 2) build research capacity in addressing First Nations-specific racism; 3) co-host a convening space to identify gaps, challenges, and research priorities to address First Nations-specific racism; and 4) co-develop a research priorities report and action plan to address First Nations-specific racism in the health care system. The outcomes of this project will help to catalyze collective action in advancing First Nations-led anti-racism strategies within the BC health care system.