Aboriginal Cultural Safety & Humility

At Interior Health (IH), we recognize and acknowledge that we are collectively gathered on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the seven Interior Region First Nations. This region is also home to 15 Chartered Métis Communities; we recognize the contributions of the Métis to these lands. It is with humility that we continue to strengthen our relationships with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples across the Interior.

Acknowledging Traditional Territory recognizes and respects Aboriginal peoples and the relationship First Nations have with the land on which we gather. Acknowledgement is an essential component of reconciliation. 

Please refer to the AD0100 policy for IH protocols on Welcoming and Acknowledging First Nation Traditional Territory. 

Learn the pronunciations of the seven Interior First Nation territories (recorded by Rose Melnyk)

Nations & Communities Maps

Aboriginal Cultural Safety is a health care approach that considers how social and historical contexts, as well as structural and interpersonal power imbalances, shape health and health-care experiences. 

In a culturally safe organization, staff are self-reflective and self-aware and understand their role in creating Culturally Safe spaces for colleagues and clients. This self-reflection process is Cultural Humility. 

Learn more about IH Cultural Safety & Humility (AD0200) policy 

Explore the First Nations Health Authority’s (FNHA’s) Creating a Climate for Change booklet to learn more about Cultural Safety and Humility in health services delivery for First Nations and Aboriginal peoples in B.C.

Aboriginal Patient Navigators (APNs) are important members of our care teams. They work in hospitals and health centres throughout Interior Health and are available to support Aboriginal peoples and their families during their care. Having an Aboriginal Patient Navigator as part of the patient care team creates a safe space for Aboriginal peoples to interact with the health system.

Learn more about APNs

Advancing Aboriginal Cultural Safety and Humility throughout IH requires both individual and systems-level change. At the provider level, we seek to provide education and resources. At the systems level, we endeavour to embed a cultural safety lens within all programs, services, policies, and structures of the organization.

For educational inquiries, please contact: AboriginalCulturalSafetyHumility@interiorhealth.ca