Ashley Wilkinson, a PhD candidate at the University of Northern British Columbia, is shedding light on the persistent issue of racism within health-care environments in Canada. Her research involves gathering firsthand testimonies from Black and Indigenous individuals who have encountered discriminatory practices.
Wilkinson, who also works as a research co-ordinator at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., is conducting interviews with unhoused individuals across various Canadian communities to explore how racism may be hindering their access to adequate healthcare. She has uncovered instances of micro-aggressions, racial slurs, physical violence, and prejudiced assumptions related to substance use and challenges faced by Indigenous people.
Having engaged with individuals at locations like Positive Living North in Prince George, B.C., and the Calgary Drop-In Centre, Wilkinson emphasizes that these encounters have left many hesitant to seek further care. The mistrust historically embedded in these communities amplifies the impact of discriminatory experiences on their healthcare-seeking behaviors.
Supported by existing research, Wilkinson’s findings align with data from a 2024 Statistics Canada survey showing that approximately one in five Indigenous individuals reported facing unfair treatment or racism from healthcare professionals. Additionally, a 2020 report by the Public Health Agency of Canada highlights the deep-rooted discrimination against Black communities within institutional frameworks, stemming from historical legacies such as European colonization and slavery in Canada.
In an effort to influence public health policies and ensure accessibility of her research findings to the participants and communities involved, Wilkinson plans to present her work in formats like infographics and simplified reports. Her approach prioritizes building reciprocal relationships with the communities she engages with, offering gestures of appreciation such as tobacco, meals, honorariums, and homemade gifts to acknowledge the value of their contributions.
Moving forward, Wilkinson intends to extend her research to a Black homeless-serving organization in Toronto, aiming to further raise awareness about the pervasive nature of racism in the healthcare system. By amplifying the voices and experiences of marginalized communities, she seeks to catalyze meaningful change and confront the undeniable reality of systemic racism within healthcare settings.