A vital role
Systemic racism and discrimination towards First Nations and Aboriginal people continues to be a major problem in many contemporary health care settings, often resulting in inappropriate treatment and barriers to accessing health care.
Health providers, such as nurses, play a vital role in shaping the health care experiences of B.C. First Nations. A commitment to
cultural safety and humility is a critical part of creating an environment free of racism and discrimination, where people feel safe receiving health care.
How can nurses make the health system more culturally safe?
Increasing the level of cultural safety in the health care system through approaches such as cultural humility, cultural safety, health literacy and relationship-based care will assist in improving the quality of health services for First Nations and Aboriginal people. Nurses are well-positioned to make a difference.
BCCNP encourages you to:
BCCNP's commitment
On March 1, 2017, the previous B.C. nursing colleges were three of
22 B.C. health professions to pledge their commitment to making our health system more culturally safe for First Nations and Aboriginal people.
"With [this] commitment, the members of every regulated health profession in B.C. have permission to address prejudice and other problematic behaviours without fear of reprisal. This Declaration will ultimately make the health system safer not only for First Nations and Aboriginal people but for all British Columbians."
- Joe Gallagher, CEO First Nations Health Authority
By joining in this commitment, B.C. health regulators are creating an expectation of change among all health professionals so that all indigenous and aboriginal peoples will experience the culturally safe and effective care they deserve. This declaration was originally introduced in July 2015 and signed by the Ministry of Health as well as the CEOs of each of BC's Health Authorities.