17�Թ�

The 17�Թ� and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) are marking National Indigenous Peoples Day with the launch of a series of educational videos to support registrants to deliver culturally safe care to Indigenous patients and clients.

The videos were created to guide BC’s 77,000 physicians, surgeons, nurses, and midwives in applying the new practice standard, Indigenous Cultural safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-racism. The standard became a practice requirement in February 2022, following extensive consultation with Indigenous health-care leaders, registrants and patients, as well as other health system partners.

“As part of the consultation process to develop the new standard, we learned that many registrants did not understand how to practice culturally safe care, and so we developed these videos to support their efforts,” says Dr. Heidi Oetter, registrar and CEO of the 17�Թ�. “While it is an important step, the new practice standard is just one step forward on our journey towards dismantling Indigenous-specific racism in health care. We will approach each step with openness and humility, and in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and communities, and our many partners in health care.”

Videos

The series of videos includes an introductory video, and six videos each focused on a particular core concept of the standard:

1. Self-reflective practice (it starts with me)
2. Building knowledge through education
3. Anti-racist practice (taking action) 
4. Creating safe health-care experiences
5. Person-led care (relational care)
6. Strengths-based and trauma-informed practice (looking below the surface)

The videos can be viewed here.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity for Canadians to celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. The colleges would like to thank the many Indigenous partners, Elders, and leaders who shared their wisdom and experiences as the standard was developed. It was truly humbling to receive their trust and guidance on this journey.

Background

On February 25, 2022, a new standard—Indigenous Cultural safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-racism—for BC’s 77,000 physicians, surgeons, nurses and midwives became a practice requirement.

The standard was developed by the 17�Թ� and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives. It communicates the colleges’ zero tolerance for Indigenous-specific racism in B.C.’s health-care system, and sets out clear, achievable expectations for health-care professionals.

“The release of Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond’s report detailed the devastating impact that Indigenous-specific racism has on health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in BC, and underscored the importance and urgency of this work,” says Cynthia Johansen, registrar and CEO of and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives. “It was a stark reminder that there are health-care professionals among us who continue to perpetuate Indigenous-specific racism, resulting in harm, neglect, misdiagnosis and even death of Indigenous people.”

The practice standard was developed through an extensive, 18-month consultation process. The two colleges engaged with partners at the First Nations Health Authority, regional health authority Indigenous health offices, Indigenous patients and registrants through virtual discussion circles, as well as with all physicians, surgeons, nurses and midwives through surveys. Government, employers, educators, and members of the 17�Թ� were also consulted.

On May 31, the colleges’ registrars, board chair and board president participated in a blanketing ceremony to mark the significance of the standard and to re-affirm their commitment to working together to help dismantle indigenous-specific racism. The ceremony was led by Gabriel George of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and supported by Syexwália of the Squamish Nation and Sulksun of the Musqueam Nation.

Contact

Communications and Media Relations
BC College of Nurses and Midwives
media@bccnm.ca

View a PDF version.