Ongoing efforts to make health-care systems culturally safe and accessible for all First Nations Peoples, Inuit and Métis peoples in B.C. and across Canada are being strengthened with the creation of a ground-breaking repository of resources at the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH).

The NCCIH is based at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George.

New public funding will support the NCCIH to grow the first-ever collection of cultural safety and Indigenous-specific anti-racism tools and resources.

Indigenous Services Canada is providing $520,000 over five years to support this initiative nationally and the Government of British Columbia is contributing $550,000 to enable B.C. health system partners to create tools, strategies and resources to enhance culturally safe service delivery and practices across the health system.

The public online library includes videos, communication resources, research papers, training materials and educational platforms that will enhance this i work. Resources already available include:

• the recently produced video, Healing in Pandemic Times;
• the booklet, Creating a climate for change: Cultural safety and humility for First Nations and Aboriginal Peoples in British Columbia; and
• Land for healing: Developing a First Nations land-based delivery model—First Nations Mental Wellness Framework.

Ensuring cultural safety, recognizing Indigenous knowledge and supporting Indigenous-led health services are central to achieving the goal of eliminating anti-Indigenous racism in health-care systems. The governments of British Columbia and Canada remain committed to working with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous partners and all those who work in health care to increase safety and respect for Indigenous peoples in Canada’s health-care systems.

Quotes:

Adrian Dix, B.C.‘s Minister of Health –

“This project will go a long way toward addressing the issue of Indigenous-specific racism in our health system, but also can serve as an important model and training opportunity for the rest of Canada. We are proud to collaborate on something so integral that will deepen our understanding of cultural safety and awareness, and ensure our systems are safe for everyone.”

Marc Miller, federal Minister of Indigenous Services –

“Congratulations to the NCCIH for the work it is leading to create this much-needed repository of tools and resources to address anti-Indigenous racism and promote cultural safety. I am proud to support this work as we continue to take steps to address anti-Indigenous racism in Canada’s health-care systems. First Nations, Inuit and Métis have the right to be served by a first-class health-care system without fear of discrimination or racism, no matter where they live.”

Margo Greenwood, academic leader, National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health –

“This collection of critical information will help to guide and inform the best efforts of all health-care workers to address and stop stigma and discrimination against Indigenous peoples in health systems.”

Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country –

“For decades, anti-Indigenous racism in health care has had a detrimental impact on the health and well-being of Indigenous communities. The NCCIH repository project is an important step forward in ensuring more inclusive delivery of health care. Through understanding and collaboration across all orders of government, projects like this will continue the vital work of ensuring cultural awareness, safety, and respect in Canada’s health systems, and all institutions.”

Quick Facts:

• The Government of British Columbia’s Budget 2021 allocated $45 million over three years to support Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives.
• 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.

Learn More:

Cultural Safety Collection: Resources relevant to the health of Indigenous peoples in Canada:
https://www.nccih.ca/1673/Cultural_Safety_Collection.nccih?Collectionid=3

Statement by ministers on the work to eliminate racism against Indigenous peoples in the health systems:
https://www.nccih.ca/1673/Cultural_Safety_Collection.nccih?Collectionid=3

Read ‘In Plain Sight’ Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care:
https://engage.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/613/2020/11/In-Plain-Sight-Summary-Report.pdf