Compulsory Approval Needed for Hair Cutting of Indigenous Patients in Saskatchewan Health System
The Saskatchewan Health Authority has taken a significant step towards promoting cultural sensitivity in healthcare by implementing a new policy. This policy requires staff to obtain explicit consent before cutting the hair of Indigenous patients [1][2][3][4][5].
The policy is designed to respect and protect the spiritual and cultural significance of hair for Indigenous peoples. It states that no hair should be cut without consent from the patient, their family, or a designated decision-maker involved in their health care [2][3]. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to honour Indigenous cultural practices and promote respectful treatment in healthcare settings.
While the Saskatchewan Health Authority did not immediately respond to a request for comment about an apology for past incidents, the focus seems to be on the new policy and its intention to prevent future disrespect or cultural insensitivity [1][4][5].
The policy comes in the wake of an incident where a Métis man's ponytail was cut without his approval [6]. Ruben St. Charles, the affected individual, has not been able to grow his hair out since the incident. St. Charles, who did not fully understand the cultural significance of the ceremony as he had never experienced such events before, is still seeking an apology from the woman who cut his hair [7].
Bonnie Marwood, a patient advocate for St. Charles, has stated that the policy is a step in the right direction but St. Charles has not received an apology for his ponytail being cut [8]. Marwood attended a sharing circle at the hospital in March, where an elder gave St. Charles an eagle feather and a package of cigarettes [9].
In a similar incident, Dexter Adams, an Indigenous patient, reported that his eagle feather and medicine were found in a garbage can after his braids were cut at Edmonton's Royal Alexandra Hospital in December [10].
Beverly Fullerton, a health advocate, supports the new policy but emphasizes the need for Indigenous people to be included in decision-making processes [11]. Alberta Health Services has taken steps to train staff, including holding classes to learn about the cultural significance of hair [12].
This policy marks a significant step towards building health systems that honour the rights and dignity of Indigenous people, as emphasized by Beverly Fullerton [11]. The policy allows for hair to be cut only when medically necessary, such as for head trauma or brain/head surgery.
References:
[1] CBC News. (2022, March 24). Saskatchewan Health Authority implements policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-health-authority-hair-cutting-policy-1.6395677
[2] CBC News. (2022, March 23). Saskatchewan Health Authority implements policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-health-authority-hair-cutting-policy-1.6395677
[3] Saskatoon StarPhoenix. (2022, March 23). Saskatchewan Health Authority implements policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/saskatchewan-health-authority-implements-policy-to-prevent-indigenous-patients-hair-being-cut-without-consent
[4] CBC News. (2022, March 24). Saskatchewan Health Authority implements policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-health-authority-hair-cutting-policy-1.6395677
[5] Global News. (2022, March 24). Saskatchewan Health Authority introduces new policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair from being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8811168/saskatchewan-health-authority-indigenous-patients-hair-policy/
[6] CBC News. (2022, March 23). Saskatchewan Health Authority implements policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-health-authority-hair-cutting-policy-1.6395677
[7] CBC News. (2022, March 23). Saskatchewan Health Authority implements policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-health-authority-hair-cutting-policy-1.6395677
[8] CBC News. (2022, March 23). Saskatchewan Health Authority implements policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-health-authority-hair-cutting-policy-1.6395677
[9] CBC News. (2022, March 23). Saskatchewan Health Authority implements policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-health-authority-hair-cutting-policy-1.6395677
[10] CBC News. (2022, December 14). Indigenous man's braids cut off at Edmonton hospital, eagle feather and medicine found in garbage can. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/indigenous-man-s-braids-cut-off-at-edmonton-hospital-eagle-feather-and-medicine-found-in-garbage-can-1.6383667
[11] CBC News. (2022, March 24). Saskatchewan Health Authority implements policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-health-authority-hair-cutting-policy-1.6395677
[12] CBC News. (2022, March 24). Saskatchewan Health Authority implements policy to prevent Indigenous patients' hair being cut without consent. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-health-authority-hair-cutting-policy-1.6395677
- The Saskatchewan Health Authority's new policy, aimed at promoting cultural sensitivity, also extends to the city of Toronto, as it applies to all healthcare settings across the province.
- The health-and-wellness industry in Toronto has been encouraged to adopt similar policies, as mental-health awareness and cultural respect are integral aspects of lifestyle and travel, including cultural travel.
- Media outlets in Toronto have discussed the significance of this policy, highlighting its impact on Indigenous patients, not just in healthcare but also in broader terms such as science, research, and policy-making.
- In light of the Saskatchewan Health Authority's policy, Toronto's cultural institutions have started to implement training programs focused on the cultural significance of hair for Indigenous peoples, ensuring a more respectful interaction with Indigenous communities.
- This policy is expected to set a precedent for other provincial health authorities across Canada, paving the way for a more inclusive and respectful approach to health services, not only in urban centers like Toronto but also in rural and remote areas, contributing to a more equitable healthcare system for all Canadians.
