The Vancouver White Women’s Hospital

I have been trying to communicate with the Women’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC, and the Ministry (MCFD) about the ongoing systemic racism in the maternity ward. It’s crucial that Aboriginal women are treated with the same respect and dignity as every other woman.

Email 1

Subject: Concerns Regarding Maternity Care for Aboriginal Women

Hi Claudia,  
CC: Hospital Complaints and Government for Real Change

I want to share my concerns regarding my daughter K* and her recent experience at Women’s Hospital. She had another baby who was born prematurely, possibly at around six months. The social worker, Johanna C, placed a no-contact order against Kaila, which forced her to leave the hospital without being able to see her baby. It is simply unacceptable to deny women even supervised visits with their newborns. Taking children away from their families and isolating them is inhumane. My daughter struggles with addiction, but she is not a criminal; she deserves compassion and support.

Saint Paul’s Hospital, at least, made an effort to keep Kaila involved, but Women’s Hospital seems only equipped for healthy, privileged parents. 

I brought my niece with me to support my daughter during this stressful time, but when I explained our traditional laws and how my niece is like a daughter to me, the staff dismissed our connection. They started talking loudly among themselves, saying, “She said she is her daughter, but she is really her niece.” Despite this, I insisted on bringing her along for support, and after some initial resistance, the staff eventually allowed her to visit.

I’ve faced issues with racism at Women’s Hospital before. Our Aboriginal families are large and follow the laws of the matriarch, where gathering for prayer and support is common. Yet, this hospital has never accommodated our culture, no matter how many complaints have been made.

It’s well known that Aboriginal women face multiple layers of systemic racism in Canada. Instead of placing blame on the mothers, we need to provide safe, culturally appropriate services that recognize the intergenerational impacts of Indian Residential Schools and the ongoing effects of colonization.

Please keep me updated on baby Morrison’s health and the status of the CFCSA process. If the baby survives, I will find family members who can help start the application for Section 54.01.

Thank you for your time,  
Stephanie Morgan  

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Email 2

Subject: Urgent Update

Hello,

I want to inform you that my daughter left the hospital just hours after the baby was born. She felt there was no reason to stay if she couldn’t see her child. Now she is in St. Paul’s mental health ward. I received a call from her yesterday, and the nurse told me she has been there since Friday. She is in a secure ward, which leads me to believe she may have attempted to harm herself.

I have visited the baby and am doing my best to support both of them during this difficult time. 

There is so much racism in Canada, and it’s not easy to live with. 

Sincerely,  
Baby’s Grandma,  
Stephanie  

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Email 3

Subject: Call for Cultural Sensitivity in Policies

Hi,

I want to emphasize the need for cultural sensitivity and engagement in the policies and procedures at the hospital. The West Coast Nations gather to pray and welcome every spirit, and we are not animals; we deserve to be treated with the same respect as everyone else.

I urge you to hire someone from the Nisga’a, Haida, or Gitxsan communities who has had minimal contact with European colonialism to lead reforms and address the systemic racism at Women’s Hospital. Right now, it feels like it should be named "The White Women’s Hospital."

I understand there are a few Indigenous staff members, but I don’t feel their impact in the hospital’s practices. This leads me to believe that the hospital is just maintaining the status quo and only offering token positions.

Thank you for your time,  
Stephanie Morgan


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