In 2025, discussions surrounding institutional racism remain critically relevant for Black Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized communities. Despite progress, systemic inequities embedded in Canada’s institutions—whether in education, healthcare, housing, or the criminal justice system—continue to marginalize and disproportionately affect these groups. Institutional racism goes beyond personal prejudice; it manifests in policies, practices, and cultural norms within the structures of power, perpetuating unequal access and treatment.
This article seeks to explore how institutional racism continues to shape the lived experiences of Black Canadians and Indigenous Peoples, using real voices to highlight the barriers that persist across multiple sectors.
For many Black Canadians and Indigenous students, the education system often feels like an uphill battle. Despite Canada’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion, systemic barriers persist within the education system, affecting academic success, mental health, and overall well-being.
One of the challenges that many Black and Indigenous students face is the lack of representation in curricula and leadership roles. Janet Williams, a Black mother from Toronto, explained how this issue has impacted her children:
“My kids rarely see themselves reflected in the books they read or the history they learn. When they do, it’s often in the context of slavery or colonialism. It’s hard for them to see their potential when the system constantly reminds them of their oppression.”
Indigenous youth experience similar struggles. A report from the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society found that Indigenous students are more likely to face disciplinary actions in schools, contributing to a higher dropout rate compared to their non-Indigenous peers.
Jamie Cardinal, an Indigenous education advocate, reflected on the systemic issues in the education system:
“Education for Indigenous students is still very much colonial in its approach. The curriculum is not reflective of our knowledge systems or our history. It’s designed to erase our identities, and that starts at a young age.”
The healthcare system is another institution where systemic racism has led to significant inequities. Studies show that Black Canadians and Indigenous Peoples often face disparities in healthcare access, treatment, and outcomes.
An often overlooked issue is the implicit bias within healthcare institutions that affects how doctors and nurses perceive and treat racialized patients. Dr. Andrea Thompson, a Black physician working in Ottawa, shared her insights:
“There’s this unspoken bias in healthcare where people of colour, especially Black and Indigenous patients, are seen as less in need of pain management or less deserving of thorough care. I’ve seen Black women come in with severe pain, and they’re not taken seriously, or Indigenous patients are stereotyped as addicts when seeking care for chronic illnesses.”
Indigenous communities in remote areas also struggle with limited access to healthcare services. Cindy Johnson, an Indigenous health worker, discussed the difficulty in securing consistent medical care:
“Our communities are often hours away from the nearest hospital. When people finally make it to see a doctor, they’re met with judgment or substandard care. It’s a vicious cycle. We need more culturally sensitive healthcare, not just for Indigenous people but for all racialized communities.”
Perhaps one of the most glaring examples of institutional racism in Canada is within the criminal justice system. Both Black Canadians and Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately represented in the prison system, facing higher rates of arrest, incarceration, and police brutality.
Statistics from the John Howard Society of Ontario reveal that while Black people make up about 3% of Canada’s population, they represent over 8.6% of federal inmates. Similarly, Indigenous Peoples, who account for 5% of the population, represent over 30% of those incarcerated in federal institutions.
Sean Pierre, a Black community activist, highlighted the discriminatory practices within policing:
“I’ve been stopped by the police multiple times for doing nothing but walking home. It’s racial profiling, plain and simple. They treat you like you’re guilty before you’ve even done anything. It’s exhausting.”
For Indigenous Peoples, the criminal justice system’s bias is often compounded by a legacy of colonialism. The over-policing and over-incarceration of Indigenous people are deeply tied to historical policies that aimed to assimilate and control Indigenous populations.
Charlene Bearhead, an Indigenous rights advocate, discussed the generational impact of these injustices:
“When you look at how the justice system treats Indigenous people, it’s a direct result of the colonial mindset that we are less deserving of justice, less deserving of humanity. Our people have been criminalized for resisting that system for centuries.”
The institutional barriers faced by Black Canadians and Indigenous Peoples extend into housing and employment, where discriminatory practices and policies prevent upward mobility.
Many Black Canadians face housing discrimination, particularly in urban centers. A report by the Ontario Human Rights Commission found that Black individuals are less likely to be approved for rental housing and are often subject to higher rent prices than their white counterparts.
Jennifer Abbot, a Black woman in Vancouver, shared her experience of trying to find affordable housing:
“Landlords would straight up ignore my calls when they found out I was Black. It’s like they don’t even want to give you a chance. I have a good job, a stable income, but that doesn’t matter when they see your skin color.”
Indigenous Peoples face similar discrimination in both housing and employment. Many Indigenous individuals live in overcrowded and inadequate housing due to systemic neglect of Indigenous communities by federal and provincial governments. Moreover, Indigenous job seekers are often passed over for positions due to stereotypes or biases.
David Whitefeather, an Indigenous carpenter, shared his frustration:
“I’ve been a skilled worker for over 15 years, but I still get turned down for jobs I’m qualified for. It’s because I’m Indigenous. They don’t say it outright, but you can tell by the way they look at you or how the interview suddenly goes cold.”
In recent years, there have been calls to address and dismantle institutional racism in Canada. Advocacy groups, politicians, and community leaders have demanded greater accountability from Canada’s institutions.
However, many argue that real change must go beyond surface-level diversity and inclusion initiatives. It requires a fundamental restructuring of how institutions operate and whom they serve. One solution proposed by activists is the implementation of equity audits within institutions, which would examine how policies and practices disproportionately affect racialized communities.
Sophia Brown, a Black Canadian lawyer and human rights advocate, emphasized the need for systemic changes:
“Diversity is not enough. We need to look at how these institutions are designed, how policies are written, and who is making decisions. It’s not just about representation; it’s about changing the structures that have been built to exclude us.”
Similarly, Indigenous leaders have called for a decolonization of Canadian institutions, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge, governance, and systems of care are respected and integrated into how Canada operates.
Chief Belinda Fox, an Indigenous leader, spoke about the need for Indigenous self-determination:
“We cannot continue to rely on colonial institutions to solve problems they have created. Our people have the answers, but we need the space and the respect to implement them on our terms.”
Institutional racism in Canada is deeply entrenched, affecting Black Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized communities in profound ways. While progress has been made, the road to true equity and justice is long and requires systemic transformation.
As Canada moves forward, it is essential to continue amplifying the voices of those most affected by these inequities and holding institutions accountable for their role in perpetuating them. Only through sustained action and meaningful change can Canada hope to create a future where all its citizens are treated with dignity and respect, free from the oppressive forces of institutional racism.
