Indigenous dental professionals will soon have a platform through which they can network with other Indigenous colleagues and contribute to improving the delivery of oral health services in communities across Canada.

"Indigenous Services Canada is proud to support the newly created Indigenous Dental Association of Canada (IDAC) that will bring together a network of dental professionals from across the country, create new tools and resources, and ultimately help improve oral health care in Indigenous communities. This is part of the larger work that must be done to ensure that Indigenous peoples have access to safe and culturally sensitive healthcare, free from racism and discrimination. I commend the work and advocacy that lead to the creation of IDAC, and I look forward to following the progress ahead."

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services

"The Indigenous Dental Association of Canada (IDAC) was founded on Reconciliation guided by the Final Reports by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the 94 Calls to Action. In fact, IDAC invited Canada's dental community to join us on our Reconciliation journey during the Anti-Indigenous Racism in Dentistry webinar that was supported by Indigenous Services Canada back in March 2022. Importantly, while IDAC endeavours to support oral health providers, researchers, and affiliates to move forward on our Reconciliation journey, our priority is to create a culturally safe community for Indigenous oral health providers, Indigenous students interested in the oral health profession, and Indigenous communities."

Dr. Sheri McKinstry, Founder
Indigenous Dental Association of Canada 

• In Budget 2021, the Government of Canada committed to provide $126.7 million over three years to take action to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination where Indigenous Peoples are respected and safe.

• This included $33.3 million to improve access to culturally safe services, with a focus on services for Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups who may experience intersecting discrimination. This includes expanding support for Indigenous midwifery and doula initiatives and strengthening funding for national Indigenous women's organizations, as well as regional and grassroots organizations.

Related products

• Statement by Ministers on the work to eliminate racism against Indigenous Peoples in the health systems
• Minister of Health and Minister of Indigenous Services Announce Funding & Federal Response to support efforts to address racism in health systems

Associated links

• Indigenous Dental Association of Canada
• Government of Canada actions to address anti-Indigenous racism in health systems
• Addressing anti-Indigenous racism in health systems: Federal response

For more information, media may contact:

Alison Murphy
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu 
Minister of Indigenous Services 
Alison.Murphy@sac-isc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Indigenous Services Canada
819-953-1160
media@sac-isc.gc.ca

Dr. Sheri McKinstry, Founder
Indigenous Dental Association of Canada
(306) 850-5416
idaccontact@gmail.com

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