A Continuous Journey: Addressing Indigenous-Specific Racism as a Nursing and Midwifery Regulator

Abstract

In June 2020, media outlets in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada, unearthed complaints about overtly racist behavior by healthcare professionals, including nurses, in some B.C. hospital emergency departments. B.C.’s Minister of Health commissioned an independent review to investigate the allegations. Although the review did not confirm the specific allegations, it did find evidence of insidious and systemic Indigenous-specific racism in the B.C. healthcare system. This case study outlines the steps that the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives is undertaking to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism within the college itself, among its registrants, and in the broader B.C. healthcare system. It may help guide regulatory colleges undertaking anti-racist approaches in the regulation of health professionals.