On August 20, 2015, members of Vancouver Coastal Health, First Nations Health Authority and First Nations Health Council visited three of the First Nations communities of Southern Stl’atl’mx travelling about 120 kms of bumpy forest service roads to reach their destination. The purpose of trip was for board and senior executive to meet with leaders of the First Nations communities, learn more about their culture and understand how to better support them in their wellness journey.

Representatives from VCH included: Board Chair, Kip Woodward; Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Patty Daly; Chief Operating Officer for Coastal Community of Care, Mike Nader; and Executive Director of Population Health, Juan Solorzano.

“It has always been a priority for me to get to know the communities we serve. The trip to Southern Stl’alt’mx will strengthen the collaboration of VCH with the First Nations communities in our region,” said VCH Board Chair, Kip Woodward.

“Our hosts received us with the warm hospitality that characterizes the proud Nations of Samahquam, Xa’xtsa and Skatin,” said Chief Operating Officer, Mike Nader.

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The visiting health care leaders met families attending a summer camp and learned about their culture, traditional foods and medicines and shared a meal around the fire in the longhouse and enjoyed traditional songs and dances.

“We talked with students about possible health career opportunities awaiting them in our organization,” said Patty Daly, Chief Medical Health Officer and Vice-president of Public Health.

It is a top priority at VCH to reduce health inequities and to improve the health of Aboriginal peoples. The evidence is overwhelming that when culturally appropriate care is provided, the outcomes are better. One way that VCH is working to strengthen its organizational cultural competency is by developing a workforce that is representative of the population through increased development, recruitment and retention of Aboriginal staff.

To support this activity, VCH has created a $1000 scholarship for a young person from each of the communities visited, to put towards their education in a training or academic program in a field that promotes health and well-being. More visits to First Nations communities within Vancouver Coastal Health are planned.

Sincere thanks to the Southern Stl’atl’mx Nations for welcoming members of Vancouver Coastal Health.

Learn more about Aboriginal Health Strategic Initiatives at aboriginalhealth.vch.ca.

Related:

First Nations relationships: How can we move these forward in Coastal?

How will you acknowledge National Aboriginal Day?