We would like to begin this story by recognizing and acknowledging that we’re 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. It is with humility that we continue to strengthen our relationships with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples across the Interior.
It’s a fitting way to begin a story whose subject is Dr. Harsh Hundal, a champion for inclusion and reconciliation within the health-care system since joining Interior Health in 2015.
Dr. Hundal serves as Executive Medical Director, Physician Engagement & Resource planning, and Chair of the Health Authority Medical Advisory Committee (HAMAC). Under his leadership, HAMAC became the first IH committee to regularly begin each meeting with a Traditional Territory Acknowledgment, which helped move our Traditional Territory Acknowledgment Policy forward.
After several years of strengthening engagement and reconciliation at Interior Health, Dr. Hundal is moving on from IH effective Nov. 4, 2022.
Dr. Hundal’s leadership to our portfolio has provided such welcome and valuable input. I will miss his calm demeanor, and wish to express my gratitude to him for his commitment to the heath and wellbeing of Aboriginal people across IH.
Dr. Hundal supported the IH Cultural Safety program’s accreditation by the University of British Columbia Division of Continuing Professional Development, allowing physicians to receive study credits for completing these Interior Health courses.
"Here is a safe place for clinicians to learn, share and grow,” Dr. Harsh Hundal said of the initiative.
He was also an active participant in the production of a series of cultural safety videos produced by IH featuring physicians. In the video below, Dr. Hundal eloquently spoke to the importance of cultural humility and creating safe and supportive health-care environments for Aboriginal clients, families and communities. He also discussed the connections between Aboriginal cultural safety, compassion and relational practice.
As Dr. Hundal’s time with IH comes to a close, he will be remembered for his leadership and character, and his willingness to demonstrate humility, vulnerability and emotion.
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