Governor General Mary Simon delivered a powerful call for greater Indigenous self-determination in health care during her address at the 25th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York on April 20.
As Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General, Simon returned to the international forum where she previously spoke as president of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. Her remarks aligned with this year’s special theme: “Ensuring Indigenous Peoples’ health, including in the context of conflict.”
“The health of Indigenous Peoples is rooted in their culture and their self-determination,” Simon told delegates. She emphasized that meaningful improvements in Indigenous health require solutions designed and led by Indigenous communities themselves. These approaches must reflect Indigenous languages, traditions, knowledge systems, and connections to land and spirituality.
Simon pointed to the ongoing impacts of colonialism, including the residential school system, as major contributors to current health disparities. While Canada has taken steps toward reconciliation, she said much more work remains to build health systems that truly serve Indigenous Peoples. “Health systems must provide culturally relevant care delivered by professionals who understand local traditions,” she stated.
Simon highlighted the importance of increasing the number of Indigenous health professionals. She pointed to the example of an Inuk medical student training to bring culturally safe care back to northern communities. She also spoke about broader efforts to develop Indigenous-led education institutions grounded in Indigenous languages and ways of knowing.
Her address referenced Canada’s commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Simon urged all countries to move beyond words and fully implement UNDRIP by embedding Indigenous leadership in health system reform.
The 25th UNPFII session runs from April 20 to May 1, at UN Headquarters. Discussions this year focus on a holistic understanding of health — one that includes physical, mental, spiritual, cultural, and environmental dimensions and the unique threats posed by conflict.
