Initiatives
Indigenous-specific anti-racism and cultural safety physician champions
Through the JCCs, physician champions are identified to amplify activities and practices aimed at increasing Indigenous cultural safety and humility.
Champions can influence other physicians to actively address the health care-specific (18-24) Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and promote guidelines and tools at practice level.
There is also support available to physicians working in Indigenous health contexts by establishing a setting to collaborate, identify gaps, and meet the unique needs of physicians supporting Indigenous patients.
Creating culturally safe spaces within health care settings
The Joint Collaborative Committees worked with Indigenous artist sɬə́məxʷ Rain Pierre to design an art print that can be displayed in medical offices across BC to create a welcoming space for Indigenous patients, and to inspire conversations, show support, and signify the importance of culturally safe care. Displaying this artwork in your practice is one way to show you are committed to the provision of culturally safe health care for Indigenous patients. To request an art print be mailed to your practice or office, complete the art request form.
We are also partnering with the Health Authorities to bring cultural safety learning opportunities into facilities across the province.
Learning opportunities
First Nations community-based experiential learning sessions
These sessions provide a unique relationship-building opportunity for physicians and local First Nation communities. Communities aim to support physicians in providing culturally safe care by proactively addressing issues related to Indigenous-specific Anti-racism (ISAR) and Cultural Safety (CS) in the delivery of medical services.
Participants learn about the effects that colonization has had on Indigenous Peoples in an impactful and experiential way, as well as ways to provide safe and respectful care to Indigenous patients. The sessions are co-hosted by Len Pierre Consulting and local First Nations communities, and additional sessions are being added regularly.
Indigenous cultural safety webinars
Physicians are provided with webinar-based learning opportunities to enhance their knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis culture, and to learn more about how to practice in culturally safe ways.
Registration for webinars can be found on the JCC Collaborate on Health BC events page.
To watch past webinars, please visit the Doctors of BC’s YouTube channel.
Compassionate leadership
Through the Rural Coordination Centre of British Columbia (RCCbc), and in conjunction with the JCCs, the Compassionate Leadership Community of Practice delivers training programs that focus on connection and building non-violent resilience.
This training program is led by Shawn and Heather Atleo. The training is grounded in Indigenous and Western pedagogy and instills connective, empathic skills for health leaders.
Traditional territory acknowledgements
The Doctors of BC’s Guide to Indigenous Territorial Acknowledgments provides guidance for members representing or doing work on behalf of Doctors of BC, including those serving on committees, working groups, the JCCs, the Representative Assembly, and the Board. We’re sharing the guide publicly in the hopes it will be a useful resource for members and other physician groups.