National Indigenous Peoples Day An Opportunity to Learn, Grow

As we celebrate the culture of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, let’s recommit to cultural safety and decolonizing health care.

The Vancouver Division of Family Practice observes and urges all family physicians to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. The day marks an occasion for all Canadians to come together, reflect on and celebrate the unique heritage, traditions, and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. The date also coincides with the summer solstice, which is the beginning of the salmon and berry picking season. Many Indigenous communities celebrate this as a sacred time to give thanks to the Creator.1

We also use this occasion as an opportunity to recommit to our efforts to decolonize healthcare, prioritize cultural safety and humility, and advance Indigenous Specific Anti Racism (ISAR) and Cultural Safety (CS) in healthcare.

Systemic barriers mean that Indigenous people often have difficulty accessing the healthcare services that are more readily available to most Canadians. Acknowledging and understanding the social and economic factors that lie at the root of health inequality is necessary if the health concerns of Indigenous people are to be addressed. One such factor is personal bias, which can only be overcome through partnership, active listening, and personal reflection.

Along with education, empathy, and action, must come representation. It is our duty to ensure that Indigenous perspectives are at the heart of the healthcare system. Partnerships with Elders and community members will allow us to better understand how traditional practices, cultural ceremonies, community connections, holistic healings, and storytelling can help with trauma. Not only will these learnings help physicians better serve Indigenous People, but they will unlock valuable wisdom that informs our understanding of holistic health.

Dr Kelsey Louie is Coast Salish from the Tla’amin First Nation and the first First Nations Doctors of BC board member. He believes that this occasion provides an opportunity to strengthen the ties that will help foster improvement in healthcare for Indigenous people.

“I urge all physicians to actively participate in your local National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations,” he says. “Your participation is a powerful step toward fostering cultural understanding and respect in our healthcare system, and to further build lasting relationships and stand alongside Indigenous Peoples.”2

Cited Sources

1 “Doctors of BC Statement on National Indigenous History Month 2024” Doctors of BC, June 3, 2024. https://www.doctorsofbc.ca/news/doctors-bc-statement-national-indigenous-history-month-2024

2 “Showing up in a Good Way – the Journey to Truth and Reconciliation.” Doctors of BC, June 11, 2024. https://www.doctorsofbc.ca/news/journey-truth-reconciliation.