Indigenous Safety in Healthcare

A skills-based learning program for healthcare professionals and leaders

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Introduction

For healthcare professionals ready to move beyond awareness and into action.

The Indigenous Safety in Healthcare (ISH) program is an Indigenous-led, experiential learning opportunity designed to build confidence, fluency, and understanding in providing culturally safe care.

Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, this program equips healthcare workers and leaders with the knowledge and practical tools to foster safer, more inclusive healthcare environments.

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Contact Information

Email: learning.programs@vnfc.ca

Helpful Links

About the program

Learning through Indigenous teachings

Developed in partnership with local Nations, Knowledge Keepers, and healthcare professionals, the ISH program supports participants in deepening their understanding of Indigenous experiences from First Peoples to present day and addressing the root causes of systemic inequities in healthcare.

Over 3 days of blended learning, participants engage through dialogue, reflection, and cultural practices guided by Indigenous facilitators and Elders.

Benefits

What you’ll gain

Through online and in-person learning, you’ll explore:

Indigenous histories, health disparities, and systemic barriers in healthcare

Rights-based approaches aligned with UNDRIP and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action

Local Nations’ perspectives and community-specific experiences

Indigenous teachings, cultural safety practices, and circle-based learning

Practical skills for trauma-informed and anti-racist healthcare

A wholistic, experiential learning journey engaging mind, body, emotions, and spirit

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Program Overview

Format

3 days total

  • 1 day of self-paced online learning
  • 2 full in-person days at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre

Schedule

Sessions are offered regularly throughout the year. In-person sessions are typically held one week apart to allow time for reflection and integration.

Included

  • Hot lunch, coffee, tea, and snacks prepared by the VNFC

  • Learning materials and completion certificate aligned with professional development requirements

Location

Victoria Native Friendship Centre
231 Regina Avenue, Victoria, BC

Who it’s for

Open to all healthcare professionals

ISH is designed for healthcare workers, administrators, and leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of Indigenous experiences and provide culturally safe, patient-centred care.

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“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.”

Rosy Hartman
Manager, Indigenous Cultural Safety, Indigenous Cancer Control
 

About the program

Community impact

Since its introduction, the ISH program has supported hundreds of healthcare professionals across sectors in advancing cultural safety, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, and embedding reconciliation within health systems.

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Join a future cohort

Be part of a growing network of learners helping reconciliation take root in everyday spaces.

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PHONE: (250) 384-3211

Contact Us

8:30am – 4:30pm
Monday to Friday

231 Regina Avenue
Victoria, BC
V8Z 1J6

Tel: (250) 384-3211
Fax: (250) 384-1586

Inquiry Form

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