Resources on supports and policy changes for Vulnerable populations and Indigenous Populations
Access to Clean Water
Clean drinking water access, along with other atrocities and inequities for the Indigenous communities within Canada has been a historical problem and a consequence of Eastern European colonization.
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In 2021, a proposed settlement agreement worth nearly $8 billion was reached after two nationwide class action lawsuits filed against the federal government by First Nations under drinking water advisories (Stefanovich & Raycraft, 2021).
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The Courts have approved a settlement between Canada and certain First Nations and their members who were subject to a drinking water advisory that lasted at least one year between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021.
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The settlement includes compensation for Impacted First Nations and eligible individuals as well as commitments to fund the construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure needed to provide regular access to safe drinking water in their homes (Barry, 2023)
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Barry. (2023, June 15). About - First nations drinking water. First Nations Drinking Water. https://firstnationsdrinkingwater.ca/index.php/about-us/
Government of Canada; Indigenous Services Canada; Communications Branch. (2023, June 10). Water in First Nations communities. https://sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100034879/1521124927588
Stefanovich, O., & Raycraft, R. (2021, July 31). First Nations and Ottawa agree to $8-billion settlement on drinking water advisories. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/drinking-water-class-action-proposed-settlement-1.6123251#:~:text=The%20settlement%2C%20which%20is%20awaiting%20court%20approval%2C%20would,could%20be%20compensated%2C%20along%20with%20120%20First%20Nations.
Cultural Safety
Work has been underway to increase culturally safe care in the B.C. health system, signaled by two commitments made by the B.C. Ministry of Health, health authorities and B.C. health regulators (Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, 2018)
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The Declaration of Commitment on Cultural Safety and Humility in Health Services (2105) was signed by the five regional health authorities, the Provincial Health Service Authority and the Ministry of Health.
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BC Health Regulators Declaration of Commitment (2017) was signed by the 23 regulatory colleges in B.C.
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. (2018, January 24). Indigenous Health - Province of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/indigenous-people/supporting-communities/health
Marginalized population and Indigenous peoples learning resources
Integrated Homelessness Action Response Teams (IHART) are made up of nurses, social workers, outreach support workers, peer support workers and mental health clinicians who provide low barrier, culturally safe, wrap-around care.
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We bring services to clients directly.
We support clients who are:
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Experiencing high rates of hospitalizations and emergency room visits
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Not attached to a health care team
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Experiencing difficulties with their overall health
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Experiencing mental health and substance use challenges
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Experiencing homelessness
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Unsheltered or precariously housed
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Living in shelters
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Living in encampments
Integrated Homelessness Action Response Teams (IHART). (n.d.). https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Services/mental-health-and-substance-use/mental-health---community-services/integrated-homelessness-action-response-teams
Services and supports for Indigenous Populations provided by the Fraser Health Authority where I work:
The Indigenous Health Program works closely with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities to support and enhance the health and wellness of Indigenous Peoples living within our region. The region stretches from the coastal “Land Facing the Sea” of the Tsawwassen people up through the Fraser Canyon heading north. These 32 First Nations communities and four language families: Hul’q’umi’num, Halq’eméylem, Nlaka’pamux and Senćoten, represent the region. Fraser Health also provides care to six Métis Chartered Communities. We and our partners, the First Nations Health Authority and Métis Nation BC, strive to provide care that is safe, respectful, wholistic and accessible to all Indigenous Peoples.
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Learn more about our commitment to building a health care system that delivers culturally safe and equitable services to all Indigenous Peoples in the region.
Indigenous Health Liaisons are a key part of the care team providing support, advocacy and health education to Indigenous clients and their families in hospital and community settings.
Indigenous mental health and wellness
Connecting and supporting First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples with mental health and wellness services.
Indigenous Health primary care
Services provided in partnership with Fraser Health may include primary care, mental health and addictions support, chronic disease prevention workshops, fall and injury prevention clinics, dental care services and health education.
Providing a safe avenue for you to provide feedback about the care or services you receive within Fraser Health.
We encourage you to consider a career that will help promote health and wellness in the diverse Indigenous population in the Fraser Health region
First Nations Health Authority
First Nations Health Authority is transforming the way health care is delivered to First Nations and Indigenous people in B.C.
Métis Nation B.C. develops and enhances opportunities for Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant, social and economic programs and services.
Overdose prevention and response
Overdose affects all of us. Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to an overdose.
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Cultural safety and humility. (n.d.). Fraser Health Authority. https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/indigenous-health/cultural-safety-and-humility
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Government of Canada; Indigenous Services Canada; Communications Branch. (2023, June 10). Water in First Nations communities. https://sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1100100034879/1521124927588
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Indigenous health. (n.d.). https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Services/Population-Based-Services/indigenous-health
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Integrated Homelessness Action Response Teams. (n.d.). https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Services/mental-health-and-substance-use/mental-health---community-services/integrated-homelessness-