b'HOSPITAL SPOTLIGHTM any First Nations, Mtisnorth of Victoria, B.C., on Vancouvercommunity and come together with a and Inuit across CanadaIsland,anexcitingnewhealth- suitable shared vision. have made it clear thatcarefacilityistakingshapethat accesstohealthcareembodies this trend: the CowichanThe IAC, which is made up of local thatincorporatesDistrict Hospital.Elders,leadersandIndigenous Indigenoustraditionalmedicines,community members, meets monthly healingandwellnesspracticesis,The $1.4-billion Cowichan Districtto ensure cultural safety and inclu-at best, limited. Yet according to aHospital Replacement Project is asivity throughout the different stages November2024StatisticsCanadadecade-longinitiativetobuildaof the groundbreaking project. Both report,80percentofCanadasmodern and culturally safe healthcarethe hospitals architectural design Indigenous population believe thatfacility for both the Indigenous andandoperationalstrategiesreflect cultural considerations are a vital partnon-Indigenous people of southernthese commitments. "The Indigenous of healing.Vancouver Island. Built on the tradi- Advisory Council, theyre our guiding tional land of the Quwutsun people,light," Davidson says. For Indigenous people, there haveit incorporates Indigenous Knowledge been many cases of improper and eveninto every aspect of its constructionElderAlbieCharlie(Sul\'hween discriminatory care when accessingand soon-to-be operation.Hwulquletse\') is a respected member health services. Whether motivated byof the Cowichan Tribes and one of the racism or a lack of understanding of theWestley Davidson, the chief projectfounding members of the IAC. He is specific needs of Indigenous people, theofficer for Island Health, is respon- not shy in describing the rocky history result is concerning: Statistics Canadasible for the Cowichan District Hospitalbetween the Indigenous population reports that 67 per cent of First Nationsreplacement project. He has beenand the healthcare system. It goes back people living off reserve said thatheavily involved in the consultation,in historical times with our relationship their health concerns were minimizedplanning and integration of culturallywith the hospital, Charlie says. Trust or dismissed. appropriate elements into the hospi- was broken. I was one of the people tals design, working alongside anwho really had mistrust in the system. Some facilities, however, are finallyIndigenous Advisory Council (IAC) that starting to incorporate a way of carewas set up for this purpose. The aim isYet Charlie makes a point of saying tailored to Indigenous populations. Justto build back trust with the Indigenousthat he is now focused and committed OUR MISSIONAdvanced Safety Paramedics First Nation Corp. was founded with a vision to see the First Nations of Canada and Indigenous Peoples thrive in all aspects of life and community. The companys mission is to be the leading provider of emergency medical response and safety services forall industries in Alberta and across Western Canada.Advanced Safety Paramedics First Nation Corp. is committed to generating meaningful employment,Exterior entry (above) and welcome wall (below): materials and coloursincome and training opportunities for Indigenous were chosen that echo the landscape of Mother Earth members, establishing sustainability in work and job security within these communities.The company utilizes professional expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to consistently exceed industry standards and surpass client expectations, ensuring safety without compromising productivity. Advanced Safety Paramedics First Nation Corp. is dedicated to creating economic opportunities that foster sustainable growth and prosperity, contributing to the overall economic development and resilience of the First Nations of Canada.By Gavin JohnContact us for your next worksite safety solutionaspems.com A PROUD MEMBER OF877.633.4215Indigenous BUSINESS REPORT35'