FSIN DEMANDING CHANGES FROM HEALTH REGION

(Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon SK) – The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Executive are demanding answers after a First Nations elder was subjected to poor treatment at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, which led to severe disfiguring burns on her body. 53-year-old Janette Sanderson, of the James Smith Cree Nation, went to the hospital on June 30th, 2020 for a broken ankle and was injected with an unknown substance while in the emergency room.

“The nurse told me it was potassium. She injected my arm and I told her it was burning and cried for her to stop. She kept going and ignored my pain” says Janette Sanderson. “They transported me to Saskatoon and after two weeks they sent me home. I was told when they discharged me from RUH that my arm would heal itself on July 15th. The home care nurses checked on it and it got worse. I went to another doctor in Melfort and they told me that it was a potassium burn and not a calcium burn, like suggested by the doctors in Prince Albert. We still don’t know what it was because the nurse didn’t keep the record.”

“We can not stand idly by while our First Nations elders are being treated poorly while trying to get medical care” says James Smith Cree Nation Chief Wally Burns. “Our people go to the hospital expecting proper care and to hear that Janette Sanderson was treated this way is inexcusable. Our elderly are the most vulnerable members of our communities and we have to stand up for them and protect them.”

“Our First Nations people have been subjected to poor treatment by health care workers and doctors for a number of years. This is why we need a health ombudsman to watch out for our First Nations people” says FSIN Vice Chief David Pratt. “The terrible stories of mistreatment while in the health care system by First Nations people have come forward in the past and it’s still continuing today. We need change and we need it now.”

“We will support this family, legally, politically and spiritually until this matter is resolved” says FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron. “Our First Nations elders should never be scared to go to the hospital. They should be cared for and respected and we will do all that we can to make sure no other elders face this same treatment while in hospital.”

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

2020-08-19 - FSIN Media Release - Health Region Changes.pdf

Download PDF • 47KB