Effects of systemic racism on equity in access to public services among Canadian indigenous communities

Abstract or Introduction

Canada enjoys a positive global standing as a human rights defender. As a demographically and culturally diverse society, it has an enviable record in terms of core civil and political rights. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees these rights (OECD, 2022). Whereas considerable efforts have been made in Canada in advancement of human rights, concerns remain on the country’s relationship with the indigenous communities. These communities lag behind in access to public services such as healthcare, and higher education. They have one of the worst unemployment rates among the minority groups. Brooks (2017) indicated that systemic racism could be possible contributor to injustice and inequalities that the indigenous communities suffer. Though Canada continues to implement various efforts to address systemic racism and other wide-ranging violations against the indigenous people, Heatherton (n.d.) suggested there is still a long way to go in achieving equality in access to public services by all Canadians. In line with this argument, this essay explores how systemic racism continues to adversely impact on the indigenous people’s access to public services in Canada.