KIM Inc. condemns racist treatment of a First Nation pregnant woman at Thompson General Hospital
Winnipeg, MB – KIM Inc. is calling for accountability and systemic change after Kaitlyn Albert, 18, of Norway House Cree Nation experienced medical negligence, First Nations-specific racial discrimination, and mistreatment at Thompson General Hospital.
On Feb. 4, at 40 weeks pregnant, Kaitlyn and her partner, Ethan Coates, attended a routine appointment where a physician and ultrasound technician verbally abused them, acted with physical aggression and treated them with cruelty. After this mistreatment, Kaitlyn was incorrectly told that her baby was not breathing, leading her to believe that her child had died. This devastating misinformation led to hours of grief, panic and trauma for Kaitlyn, Ethan, their entire family and community. Only later, upon returning to the hospital, did they learn that the baby was alive and well — an error that caused irreversible emotional harm.
“When a mother is at her most vulnerable, she should be met with kindness and care. Instead, my daughter was treated with violence, frustration, and coldness. A doctor treated her like she was a burden—like she was the problem, instead of the patient needing help,” said Lyn Albert, Kaitlyn’s mother.
“I should have left the hospital feeling supported and safe. Instead, I left feeling broken, terrified, and completely alone,” recounted Kaitlyn Albert. “I was treated like I didn’t matter—as if my pain, my experience, and even my baby’s life wasn’t important. That is not health care. That is not care at all.”
Health-care providers and service workers hold inherent power over First Nations patients. This failure highlights the ongoing issues of the impact of First Nations-specific racism in Manitoba’s health-care system.
“No longer can we excuse these incidents as ‘mistakes’ or ‘miscommunications.’ What happened to Kaitlyn Albert is the direct result of a health-care system that continues to devalue and dehumanize First Nations people. First Nations specific racism in health care exists across Manitoba but it’s manifestation of harm, destruction, and death is amplified in the north.” said Dr. Barry Lavallee, CEO of KIM Inc.
“If those in power refuse to act, continue to ignore, or do little they are complicit in the harm that continues to devastate First Nations. The continued hatred of First Nations people, the dismissal of their illnesses, and the decontextualization of the ongoing racism throughout settler Canada can manifest through the providers. This must stop now.”