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A member of the military who was turned away from a Duncan hospital despite serious medical symptoms, and was later committed to a psychiatric ward in Victoria, is a victim of anti-Indigenous racism, according to the First Nations Leadership Council.

The council is calling on Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, who is leading an independent investigation into anti-Indigenous racism in B.C.’s health-care system, to include the case of Cpl. Connor Sutton, 23, of the T’Sou-ke Nation.

Sutton, who joined the military through the Indigenous entry program, held excellent standing for 4 1/2 years, said the council.

The council said Sutton sought aid at a hospital in Duncan after suffering a hole in his esophagus that led to chest pains, vomiting, speech and breathing difficulties, and severe confusion.

“Instead of concern, empathy, and care, he was met with callousness and discrimination: the hospital staff refused to help or treat him and told him to go to a homeless shelter before reportedly physically assaulting him,” the council said in a statement.

Sutton has been in the psychiatric ward of Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria for the past month, the council said, suggesting it could take months before his case is reviewed.

“A young man, hurt and confused, walks into a hospital expecting help,” Robert Phillips of the First Nations Summit Political Executive said in the statement. “He is instantly racially profiled and is viewed as a homeless, intoxicated threat, not worthy of care and respect.

Phillips said Sutton’s “horrendous” treatment by hospital staff “is not unique in its prevalence and commonality.”

Turpel-Lafond is investigating reports that doctors and emergency-room staff across the province played a game in which they would guess the blood-alcohol levels of Indigenous patients.

The practice has been condemned by Premier John Horgan and Health Minister Adrian Dix.

“What happened to these Indigenous patients and what happened to Connor is unacceptable and proof that the institutions and structures governing our society are still perpetuating colonial and racist values that oppress and damage Indigenous lives,” Phillips said.

Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations called on Turpel-Lafond to include the allegations about Sutton in her investigation.

“For Connor to be involuntarily held in the psych ward with the immense physical, emotional, and mental trauma he is experiencing, and with there being no proper diagnosis of his condition, is cruel and appalling,” said Chief Don Tom, vice-president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, in a statement.

The First Nations Leadership Council is calling on the relevant health authorities and service providers to end anti-Indigenous racism or discriminatory conduct, and asking the Canadian Armed Forces to intervene when one of their own is affected by anti-Indigenous racism.

ceharnett@timescolonist.com