Jared Basil is a community wellness champion with the Ktunaxa Nation. His days are spent in service to the people of his community. He uses his lived experience and approachable manner to help others confidently navigate the health-care system. He also works with organizations like Interior Health to improve how services are delivered — so that everyone feels safe and respected.
“As an Indigenous man, I want to bridge the gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous communities and strengthen the respect and relationship between my people and organizations like Interior Health,” says Jared.
Since 2020, Jared has contributed his time and perspective towards the creation of a person-centred Interior Health website.
Meeting the information needs of Indigenous peoples through a new health website
As a steering committee member for the Interior Health public website project, Jared provides input on the appearance, content and navigation of the future website – making sure it’s going to be a helpful place for people to access health-care information.
“My aim was to add value to the project, by identifying language and visuals that speak to a welcoming design. Inclusive of everyone, appealing to all,” says Jared.
Jared has been a strong advocate for representation and access of all people of the B.C. interior within the upcoming website.
“We need to think about how an Indigenous person would navigate this site. If they’ve never been to the website before, how can we make sure they immediately know they’re in the right place for health-care information?” says Jared.
He has advised the team on the importance of a user-friendly experience on mobile devices, particularly older smartphones.
“I personally know many people in my community who aren’t using the latest iPhone,” says Jared. “We need to ensure we have a level of confidence that people with older devices won’t be left out.”
Respect allows partnerships to thrive
Having public partners involved in healthcare is all about respect, according to Jared. “We all need to learn how to have difficult conversations in a respectful manner, and to get to a place where people can say what they think but show compassion. Public partners should be treated with just as much respect as any other member. We’ll open our door as you open your door.”
“I want to help and I want to see organizations like Interior Health thriving,” says Jared. “The result will be healthier people in our communities.”
To learn more about how public partners guided the design of InteriorHealth.ca, read Check out your new website.
A word about partners
When asked how he likes to be described in his role with Interior Health, Jared says, “Just call me a partner – even a consultant or an ally – someone who is like-minded and passionate about helping people.”
About the author
Karla Warkotsch is a patient experience consultant. She is a passionate advocate for public participation in health care and believes patient input is essential to providing excellent health-care.
Interior Health’s Advance Care Planning: Your Voice, Your Choice video series teaches about the purpose and importance of advance care planning (ACP).
/stories/lets-talk-about-advance-care-planning-your-voice-your-choice
Derrick has lost more than 80 family members & friends to the toxic drug and opioid crisis. He reflects on grief & loss, and issues a plea for compassion.
/stories/peer-reflects-ninth-anniversary-toxic-drug-emergency
Devon has been working in various positions at Interior Health since 2017, and as an administrative assistant to the director of Health System Planning(HSP).
/stories/we-are-ih-admin-assistant-aims-create-positive-impact
All 29 of IH's emergency depts. offer Sexual Assault Forensic Examination services. Confidential and compassionate, SAFE starts with We believe you.
/stories/safe-provides-compassionate-care-sexual-assault-patients
Lenora Starr is an Indigenous cultural safety practice lead of St’át’imc Nation advocating for the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples of the Interior.
/stories/we-are-ih-indigenous-lead-forges-path-health-and-wellness
Trauma is a powerful force that can shape a person’s life. Learn what trauma is, and why those who use substances need compassion and understanding.
/stories/how-trauma-can-lead-drug-and-alcohol-use
STAY CONNECTED
Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!
