Indigenous Safety in Healthcare

Why Indigenous Safety in Healthcare Matters
Healthcare settings play a crucial role in the cancer journey for Indigenous patients.

Through this program, you will:
*Develop cultural fluency in Indigenous history, health disparities, and reconciliation efforts.
*Foster safer and more inclusive healthcare experiences for Indigenous patients.
*Implement rights-based approaches that align with UNDRIP and TRC Calls to Action.
*Explore teachings tailored to the specific needs and experiences of Indigenous communities in the area
*Support B.C. Ministry of Health In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination in
B.C. Health Care findings and recommendations.

Program Overview
Location: Victoria Native Friendship Centre, 231 Regina Avenue, Victoria, BC
Duration: Two days (1 day self-paced online learning + 2 full in-person days)
Format: Experiential learning, discussions, and applied skill-building.
Key Learning Outcomes: Understanding Indigenous experiences and the impact of historical and systemic barriers.
Engaging with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to build mutual trust.
Gaining hands-on skills for culturally safe, trauma-informed, and anti-racist healthcare practices.

Program Goals
Indigenous Safety in Healthcare is a skills-based and experiential learning program that empowers healthcare workers and leaders to move beyond awareness and into transformative change.

The program offers:
A comprehensive deep dive into healthcare sector commitments to cultural safety and why they matter.

A wholistic approach that addresses learning with
mind, body, emotions, and spirit.

A culturally grounded, locally developed, and
Indigenous-designed learning opportunity.

Active learning using multiple approaches and
modalities to build skills in providing culturally safe
and anti-racist healthcare.

Cost
This program is offered free of charge to support accessibility and community well-being. While there’s no fee to attend, the true cost is about $1,800 per person—reflecting the time, care, and cultural knowledge shared.
As we move toward a social enterprise model in 2026, we’re finding new ways to sustain this work while keeping it open to all. If you’re able, we welcome contributions of any amount—from $5 to $1,800—personally or through a professional development fund (invoices available).
Donations can be made via vnfc.ca/donate, cheque, or e-transfer. Invoices and receipts are available upon request

Available Dates for Fall 2025
Wednesday, October 1st
Wednesday, October 8th
Thursday, October 23rd
Thursday, October 30th
Tuesday, November 18th
Tuesday, November 25th

What’s Included
One-day e-learning course on understanding Indigenous safety in healthcare
Two-day in-person experiential learning with Knowledge Keepers and cultural practices.
Delicious hot lunch prepared by the VNFC
Coffee, tea and snacks + Learning materials
Completion certificate aligned with professional development opportunities.

Rosy Hartman Manager, Indigenous Cultural Safety, Indigenous Cancer Control

I was very grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the VNFC ISH program, along with colleagues from BC Cancer – Victoria. The online materials provided excellent background and context for the work, and the in-person sessions were invaluable learning opportunities. Many Indigenous cultural safety courses are only offered online, and when you can participate in-person in an interactive environment, it truly deepens the learning. I think that this course format really helps staff build the skills and confidence they need to deliver more culturally safe, empathetic and patient-centered care.