Systemic racism and discrimination towards First Nations and Aboriginal people continues to be a major problem in many contemporary health care settings, often resulting in inappropriate treatment and barriers to accessing health care.
BCCNM's commitment
In 2017, the previous B.C. nursing and midwifery colleges were four of 22 B.C. health professions to
pledge their commitment to making our health system more culturally safe for First Nations and Aboriginal people. BCCNM continues this commitment.
Taking action to dismantle Indigenous-specific racism
On Nov. 30, 2020, Health Minister Adrian Dix released findings from an independent review, led by Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, into the extent of Indigenous-specific racism in BC’s health-care system. The findings released in this report, titled In Plain Sight, showed the devastating impact Indigenous-specific racism has on health outcomes for Indigenous people in B.C.
We are pleased to share our organization's action plan,
BCCNM's Commitment: Constructive disruption to Indigenous-specific racism amongst B.C. Nurses and Midwives. The release of the
In Plain Sight report last year underscored the urgent need for all partners in the health-care system to take swift and decisive action to dismantle the systemic racism that has led to such poor health outcomes for First Nations, Métis and Inuit (Indigenous) Peoples. BCCNM's action plan reflects our commitment to enacting the recommendations put forth in the report and lays out a roadmap for BCCNM to follow as we work to make the health-care system culturally safe.
How can nurses and midwives help make the health system more culturally safe?
Increasing the level of cultural safety in the health care system through approaches such as cultural humility, cultural safety, health literacy and relationship-based care will assist in improving the quality of health services for First Nations and Aboriginal people. Nurses and midwives are well-positioned to make a difference.
BCCNM encourages you to:
Collaborating with First Nations Health Authority
In partnership and collaboration with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), BCCNM is supporting the collection of data about current and future BC First Nations and other Indigenous health professionals in B.C. Registrants will have the option of answering three questions on their registration renewal application.
- What will registrants be asked?
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Do you identify yourself as an Indigenous person, that is, First Nations, Métis, or Inuk (Inuit)?
- Yes
- No
- Prefer not to answer
If you identify as an Indigenous person, are you:
- First Nations
- Métis
- Inuk (Inuit)
If you identify as an Indigenous person, which specific Indigenous nation, community, and/or band are you a member of/do you identify with?
- A free-form field will be provided so registrants can enter the name of more than one nation, community and/or band.
- Why is this information being collected?
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B.C. First Nations have a health governance partnership with the province of B.C. In 2006, the parties identified “practicing certified First Nations health care professionals” as an indicator of progress of the Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan. This data will be used to inform reporting on this indicator.
- How will this information will be used?
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Any data collected will be shared in aggregate form with FNHA.
- Is answering mandatory?
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No. Answering these questions is optional. Your eligibility for renewal of your registration will not be impacted by your responses or your choice not to respond.
- Need more information?
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If you have questions or concerns about how this information will be used or why it is being collected, we encourage you to contact the
First Nations Health Authority.