Northern Health (NH) continues to take meaningful steps toward Truth and Reconciliation by fostering respectful, culturally safe care for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people. One recent example of this commitment comes from the Specialized Services Northeast team, who partnered with the Indigenous Health Education Team to complete the Respectful Relationships: Cultural Safety course.
This training journey began in early 2025, when 21 triad groups from Dawson Creek and Fort St. John committed to four months of learning, reflection, and connection. Each group member took on a role (facilitator, progress keeper, or submitter) to support one another through the course’s four self-paced modules. The training also included in-person debrief sessions, which helped deepen understanding and build stronger relationships.
By the end of the program, 49 learners had completed the course across 18 triad groups. The experience was more than just educational—it was transformational.
One program participant noted, “Many times, we simply do not know and are therefore uncomfortable. There is no harm in saying we don't know and that we have lots to learn. That is called humility.”
Participants shared that cultural safety is not a checklist—it’s a mindset. Through stories, videos, and group discussions, they moved from discomfort to humility, learning that respectful care begins with listening, empathy, and accountability.
Jessi W., another program participant, reflected on her experience, “A great reminder that cultural safety doesn’t come from my definition. It comes from those I am serving.”
This initiative directly supports NH’s Strategic Plan, which prioritizes healthy people in healthy communities, quality improvement, and creating a positive and inclusive environment for staff and patients alike. The plan emphasizes cultural safety, collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and building a health system rooted in empathy, respect, and belonging.
“What we are talking about is not distant history—it’s very recent and ongoing.” reflected another program participant.
This departmental training is just the beginning. More opportunities are planned to support staff in building respectful relationships and delivering culturally safe care. All NH staff are encouraged to take the Respectful Relationships: Cultural Safety course, available on the Learning Hub.
Together, we are learning, growing, and walking the path of reconciliation—one relationship at a time.
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