The Northern and Indigenous Health Program

How our work starts from within

To support the system change needed to advance First Nations, Inuit and Métis priorities and culturally safe and equitable care, we believe that we must first start from within.

Starting from within means building internal capacity and shared understanding that allows us to engage meaningfully with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, organizations and communities.

Only then can we work outwards to build and nurture relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, organizations and communities through partnerships rooted in reciprocity, respect and trust.

Our three program areas

Internal work: Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan

In 2023 we developed and began to implement HEC’s Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan to provide a roadmap for the work the organization will undertake in 2022-26 to live up to our commitments and continue developing our ability to help shape a future where everyone in Canada has safe and high-quality healthcare.

Working outwards: Partnering with First Nations, Inuit and Métis

We continue to broaden our circle by building and nurturing respectful and reciprocal relationships and partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Northern health system leaders, governments and organizations (including the Canadian and Northern Remote Health Network and the FNHMA-HEC First Nations Health Leaders Network).

We continue to seek opportunities to partner with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, organizations and communities to collaborate on shared priorities.

Supporting system change: Addressing cultural safety and systemic racism

As a result of our internal work and partnerships, we're beginning to support the healthcare system to address racism experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through the Cultural Safety Design Collaborative. The collaborative supports non-Indigenous health service delivery organizations to improve cultural safety and address systemic racism experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis in the healthcare system from Spring 2023 to Winter 2025.

Our approach: Supporting First Nations, Inuit and Métis priorities and culturally safe and equitable care

First Nations, Inuit and Métis have inherent rights to health and wellness in Canada, yet many experience poorer health outcomes compared to other people. These outcomes are the result of inequities in access to safe, high-quality care connected to the ongoing impacts of colonization and systemic racism.

Culturally safe healthcare shows respect for culture and identity. It incorporates a person’s needs and rights, and is free of discrimination. Equitable care is about meeting every individual’s health needs, no matter their age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, ability or other factors. Both concepts recognize that racism, discrimination and bias create power imbalances that prevent certain people and groups from getting the care they want and deserve. 

Learn more about HEC’s approach to supporting advancement of First Nations, Inuit and Métis priorities and culturally safe and equitable care.