Vancouver/CMEDIA: New funds to support health care professionals to address anti-Indigenous racism, practise in anti-oppressive ways, and foster cultural humility are being granted to the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) and the Health Arts Research Centre (HARC), both housed at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC).
“The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health…goal is to realize transformation and change in the health care system that supports everyone’s optimal health and well-being,” said Dr. Margo Greenwood, Academic Leader, National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health in a news release.
A joint initiative between the NCCIH and HARC, the Hearts-based Education and Anticolonial Learning (HEAL) health care project, is aimed at training and education focused on health care students and professionals to create better health outcomes for Indigenous people.
“I congratulate the National Collaborating Centre and the University of Northern British Columbia…Hearts-based Education and Anticolonial Learning (HEAL) project…spur faster changes that result in compassionate and competent care for Indigenous Peoples in all health care systems across Canada,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services in a news release.
Besides promoting cultural safety, this two-year project will also recognize achieving the goal of eliminating anti-Indigenous racism in health systems through indigenous knowledge and anti-colonial approaches in health service provision.
“The Government of Canada is committed to continuing to work with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous partners, and all those who work in health care to increase safety and respect for Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s health systems,” said the news release.
This important project is being supported with a $1-million contribution by Indigenous Services Canada over two years starting in 2022.
“Addressing anti-Indigenous racism in our colonial systems…to follow the work of all involved, and thank Dr. Greenwood and Dr. de Leeuw and our colleagues at the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health and the Health Arts Research Centre for their ongoing commitment to this critical area of need,”said Dr. Geoffrey Payne, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Northern British Columbia
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