Historically, Aboriginal peoples have been the subject of research rather than partners in it. This has led to mistrust and outcomes that do not always benefit the communities that are studied. Vanessa Mitchell, Aboriginal Lead and Cultural Safety Program Manager; and Leslie Bryant, Regional Practice Lead for Research are among those changing the way Aboriginal…
Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing journey Trigger Warning – The information and material presented here may be triggering to some individuals, and may cause unpleasant feelings or thoughts. Many individuals find it helpful to discuss these feelings in a supportive and trusting environment. Please reach out to the supports most appropriate to your individual…
During pregnancy, labour, and delivery, many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people experience significant barriers to accessing care. This can lead to a higher risk of poor maternal and newborn health. But there are ways to make a difference. One is to get informed. The National Aboriginal Council of Midwives and Patients for Patient Safety…
On June 21, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. In June, we also celebrate National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This year, National Indigenous History Month is dedicated to the missing children, the families left behind and the survivors of residential schools. This week's Interior…
Several years ago, Donna Koenig, Food Services Manager for South Okanagan General Hospital, attended a national Indigenous nutrition event at Six Nations in northern Ontario. "There were Elders there from all across Canada--including the Yukon and the Northwest Territories--and it was all about the stories and learning why food is considered to be medicine--and the…
As the work of Interior Health's Journey to Aboriginal Cultural Safety & Humility team expanded over the last few years, program manager Vanessa Mitchell looked to Nation Elders for guidance. One of the Elders who helped shape this important work was Mollie Bono. "We had the great pleasure and privilege to work with Mollie as…
Dr. Sean Wachtel admits he was surprised – and unpleasantly so – at what he found when he arrived in Canada to begin practicing medicine a decade ago. After coming from the United Kingdom, he began working in the emergency room at Nelson’s Kootenay Lake Hospital. The last thing he expected was to be confronted…
In This Together is a series dedicated to the stories of people contributing to our COVID-19 response. The following story is an account from Spotted Fawn Minnabarriet, a public health nurse with Interior Health. S7entsa Spotted Fawn Minnabarriet, squza7sa s7 Eleanor Wells muta7 Larry Gordon, Lilwat7ulmeckan, muta7 St’at’imc (My name is Spotted Fawn Minnabarriet of…
Last year saw the launch of an investigation into Indigenous-specific racism in the B.C. health-care system, bringing new focus on Aboriginal health and wellness. As health-care providers look to implement the In Plain Sight Report recommendations, the Interior Voices podcast provides resources for improving culturally-safe care. Launched in 2019, the Interior Voices podcast is an informal, ongoing conversation around cultural safety…