UNBC receives federal funding for Indigenous Health Care Improvement project

A pair of institutes at UNBC are working to increase safety and respect for Indigenous People in Canada’s Health systems.

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) and the Health Arts Research Centre (HARC) at UNBC are receiving new funding to support health care professionals to address anti-Indigenous racism, practice in anti-oppressive ways, and foster cultural humility.

“We need to remember that achieving optimal health has always involved both the arts and sciences,” said Dr. Sarah de Leeuw, Professor in the UBC Northern Medical Program.

“We need to remember that transformational change, including much-needed anti-colonial change in health care, requires shifts in both feelings and thoughts. It’s about head and heart work. We’re excited to put arts and humanities to work in the service of cultural humility and anti-oppression.”

The Hearts-based Education and Anticolonial Learning (HEAL) health care project is a joint initiative between the NCCIH and HARC.

The initiative is anchored in training and education focused on health care students and professionals to create better outcomes for Indigenous people.

“I congratulate the National Collaborating Centre and the University of Northern British Columbia for their important work to make health care safer for Indigenous Peoples,” said Federal Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hadju.

“This critical work will hopefully inspire other organizations across the country and spur faster changes that result in compassionate and competent care for Indigenous Peoples in all health care systems across Canada.”

Indigenous Services Canada is providing the project with $1-million over two years, starting this year.