APTN Truth & Politics: Why do hospitals keep cutting off elders’ hair without consent?

A Cree doctor based in Edmonton says the nurse responsible for cutting off an elderly First Nations man’s braids at Royal Alexandra hospital in the city should be fired and charged with assault.

Dr. James Makokis says systemic racism is embedded in Canada’s healthcare system and only strong action will change people’s behavior.

APTN News recently shared two stories of elderly hospital patients in Saskatoon and now Edmonton who had their hair cut short by staff without family consent. Why do these incidents keep happening? Our Truth & Politics panel including Indigenous Studies professor, Niigaan Sinclair weighed in.

To watch the full conversation, please follow the link here with APTN News.