Celebrating Lháw̓atem ta úxwumixw - ɬew̓ətəm tə xʷəxʷil̓məxʷ - translated as "The People are being healed" / First Nations Indigenous Primary Care Network (FNIPCN)
in honor of National Indigenous Peoples' Day, June 21, 2026
June is National Indigenous History Month, an important time to recognize, respect, celebrate and learn the rich history and heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. National Indigenous Peoples Day is observed annually on June 21st 2026, the summer solstice and a day of cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures. Across Canada, communities come together to celebrate First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, cultures, and traditions.
In 1996, June 21 was declared as 'National Aboriginal Day' and has since been renamed to 'National Indigenous Peoples Day' in 2017. This annual date of significance serves as an important reminder to reflect on the profound contributions and advancements made by Indigenous People in Canada.
At the Vancouver Division of Family Practice, we strive to honor and celebrate Indigenous contributions to primary care. And seek opportunities to learn from Indigenous cultures and to value the integration of traditional healing and medicine to help shape high quality and culturally safe primary care.
We are grateful to live and work on the traditional, unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We have had the privilege to collaborate and partner with the First Nations Indigenous Primary Care Network Society (FNIPCN), supporting the eight Indigenous-led Primary Care clinics in Vancouver and qathet including those within our geographic PCN: Musqueam Primary Care Clinic; Kilala Lelum Health Centre; Lu'ma Medical Centre; Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) Native Youth Health & Wellness Centre; and Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS).
The purpose of the FNIPCN is to be united as leaders to improve access to culturally safe, holistic primary care services for First Nations and Indigenous populations across the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Tla'amin territories, including those of the Vancouver, North Shore, qathet and Sea-to-Sky PCN geographies. The FNIPCN, formerly the First Nations & Aboriginal Primary Care Network Society, have been newly gifted an Indigenous name from the language holders of Musqueam, Squamish & Tsleil-Waututh Nations: Lháw̓atem ta úxwumixw - ɬew̓ətəm tə xʷəxʷil̓məxʷ - The People are being healed. It has been shared, that it is a significant honor to be gifted a name and that it comes with an important responsibility and commitment to respect the language, story, meaning, and interpretation in all it represents. It contributes to the revitalization of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ languages and pays homage to the sovereign nations. The Vancouver Division commits to support the Lháw̓atem ta úxwumixw - ɬew̓ətəm tə xʷəxʷil̓məxʷ FNIPCN and its promotion of the newly gifted name.
Lháw̓atem ta úxwumixw - ɬew̓ətəm tə xʷəxʷil̓məxʷ began its journey in 2016 through an invitation by the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to the three urban Indigenous primary health care organizations of Lu'ma Medical Centre, Urban Native Youth Association and Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society to come together for the benefit of First Nations and Indigenous patients in the host Nation territories – recognizing that many members of the host Nations live in urban settings. It was the first ever host Nation and urban health collaborative of its kind in this area. At the time, the 'informal' collaboration served approximately 2,000 patients with 20+ staff. In 2019, Tla'amin First Nation and Kilala Lelum Health Centre joined the network, expanding the geographic scope beyond urban Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast.
In 2024 the FNIPCN formally registered as a legal entity and in 2026, Lháw̓atem ta úxwumixw - ɬew̓ətəm tə xʷəxʷil̓məxʷ FNIPCN is honored to collectively support over 11,000 patients (approximately 50% of the self-identified Indigenous population in Lower Mainland and qathet) with over 200 staff. This highlights the need and also contributes to addressing access barriers for Indigenous patients who may not have accessed care at all. Key achievements have included successfully advocating for Elders and Traditional Healers to be recognized as specialists in primary care; developed measures from a wellness and cultural perspective; advocated for the exploration of a unique clinician funding model; and continue to explore strategies that alleviate pressure on the acute system through a culturally safe holistic model.
"Vancouver Division of Family Practice (VDoFP) have been and continue to be supportive and willing partners of Lháw̓atem ta úxwumixw - ɬew̓ətəm tə xʷəxʷil̓məxʷ FNIPCN since our humble beginnings in 2016. They provide support, knowledge, connections, and friendship while always being thoughtful and mindful to respect the sovereignty and autonomy of the network. The VDoFP exemplifies what true partnership is through respect and reciprocity and our 10 year relationship has evolved into much more than a partnership. We are grateful to walk together with the VDoFP on our collaborative journey. Huy chexw hay ce:p q̓ə, čɛčɛhaθɛč, Thank you" - Lháw̓atem ta úxwumixw - ɬew̓ətəm tə xʷəxʷil̓məxʷ Board