The organization that regulates medical care in Manitoba has apologized for racism directed toward Indigenous people when accessing health care.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba says it recognizes its failure to effectively regulate the medical profession to prevent racist and substandard medical care to Indigenous peoples.

Grand Chief Cathy Merrick of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs says she was shocked and surprised by the apology.

She says the apology is welcome, but not fully accepted, given the mistreatment suffered by Indigenous people.

Merrick says more work needs to be done to dismantle racist assumptions about Indigenous patients.

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With files from The Canadian Press