Lasting change often begins with relationships, shared understanding, and a willingness to see things differently. Across healthcare, these foundations continue to shape an important journey toward culturally safer, more respectful experiences of care for Indigenous Peoples.
This November, attention turns to The Winds of Change, a Health Standards Organization (HSO) initiative marking an important milestone with the release of a new National Standard of Canada for Cultural Safety and Humility.
Building on a Foundation of Change
Rooted in years of collaboration with the First Nations Health Authority and the
development of BC’s Cultural Safety and Humility Standard, this work now carries forward nationally, informed by the knowledge, experiences, and priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
The initiative’s name draws inspiration from Elder Gerry Oleman, Co-Chair of the BC Cultural Safety and Humility Technical Committee, whose words remind us that change is already underway: “Some of you might just feel a small little breeze, but it’s here.”
At its heart, the standard recognizes that culturally safe care extends beyond individual interactions. The relationships, leadership, policies, and systems surrounding healthcare all play a role in shaping experiences of care, alongside a shared responsibility to address Indigenous-specific racism and strengthen accountability.
For family physicians and primary care teams, this milestone offers a broader perspective on Indigenous cultural safety and humility, and the importance of Indigenous voices and leadership in guiding culturally safer, more equitable healthcare.
Learn More | The Winds of Change
Featured Resource | Healthy Aging: Indigenous Perspectives on Lifelong Wellness
Health and wellbeing are influenced by the many dimensions of everyday life, from personal experiences and cultural identity to the environments in which people live and grow.
The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) has introduced a new six-part Healthy Aging collection, developed in response to requests from Indigenous families and community partners. Offering culturally relevant information for First Nations, Inuit and Métis adults, the series recognizes that healthy aging begins long before later adulthood.
The collection explores six interconnected areas of lifelong wellness:
- Mental and emotional health
- Food, diet and nutrition
- Physical activity and exercise
- Preventative health behaviours
- Life stages and wellness
- Financial wellness
Together, these resources offer a broader perspective on the many dimensions of
Indigenous health and wellbeing, recognizing the important roles of culture,
community, relationships, and belonging throughout life.
View the Healthy Aging Collection | NCCIH
November Learning Opportunities
Éyameth’ – Weaving Health Together: Reclaiming Indigenous Ways of Wellness, Leadership & Belonging
November 17, 2026 | 12:00–3:00 PM PST
What can primary care look like when Indigenous knowledge, community leadership, and traditional healing are woven together with contemporary medicine?
Part of UBC’s Indigenous Speakers Series, this session features Qwenot – Angela Paul, Executive Director of the Sts’ailes-led Éyameth’ Health Centre in Harrison Mills, BC. Through conversation and a virtual tour of the health centre, the session offers a closer look at an Indigenous-led model of care bringing together primary care, traditional wellness, mental health supports, and community relationships.
View Session Details & Registration
Providing Culturally Safe Care for Two-Spirit and Gender-Diverse Indigenous Peoples
November 26, 2026 | 6:30–8:00 PM PST
Presented by UBC Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD), this webinar explores culturally safe, respectful, and affirming approaches to care for Two-Spirit and gender-diverse Indigenous Peoples.
Featuring Len Pierre and moderated by Dr. Chris Morrow, this accredited learning opportunity offers family physicians and primary care teams perspectives to strengthen understanding and support inclusive, relationship-centred care.