Unique collaboration brings First Nation communities and physicians together in longhouse sessions

In Indigenous communities, the longhouse is a sacred place of healing and teaching. It is an ideal setting for a new program offered by the Joint Collaborative Committees (JCCs) that provides a unique relationship building opportunity for physicians and local First Nation communities. The goal is to support physicians in providing culturally safe care by proactively addressing issues relating Indigenous Specific Anti Racism (ISAR) & Cultural Safety (CS) in the delivery of medical services. 

The sessions are co-hosted by Len Pierre Consulting and local First Nation communities. Launched in the autumn of last year, attendees were welcomed into the longhouses of the Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo, Qualicum), Kwantlen (Langley, Surrey, Ridge Meadows), and Sts’Ailes (Mission, Abbotsford, Agassiz, Chilliwack) First Nations. At the sessions, participants were provided with a traditional Indigenous meal and listened to drumming and story sharing. 

They learned about residential school trauma and the impacts that colonization has had on Indigenous Peoples in an impactful and experiential way. Cultural sensitivity, the history of colonization, and ways to provide safe and respectful care to Indigenous patients, were addressed in an intimate group setting.

The Kwantlen First Nation longhouse session video (October 11, 2022) provides a moving and insightful look at the experience, which many participants found to be transformative. One attendee said: “I was expecting to learn about Indigenous culture, but wasn't expecting to question and challenge my own beliefs. This is the most powerful cultural training I have received so far.”

Beginning this spring, the JCCs – a partnership of Doctors of BC and the BC government - are expecting to co-host over 8 longhouse sessions in various parts of the province, from Northern BC, South Island, and the Okanagan/Interior. More information on locations and registration will be shared in the upcoming months. 

The longhouse sessions are one example of the partners commitment to advance cultural safety in medicine. Other learning opportunities, such as webinars and workshops, will be offered through out the year.

Content Advisory

During this session, themes of colonial genocide, systematic separation from Indigenous identity, land and culture and the mental and physical health and substance use that come as a result of these facets, will be discussed. 

These themes may surface personal stories and participants are encouraged to prepare to hear this difficult journey. If additional supports are needed, please contact:

• Doctors of BC’s Physician Health Program (PHP) to access 24/7 confidential help: 1-800-663-6729
  • Available to physicians, residents, medical students, and their families 
• The KUU-US Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
  • Support provided to Indigenous people throughout the province of British Columbia
• Métis Crisis Line BC: 1-833-638-4722
  • Support for Métis people throughout the province of British Columbia
• Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca for online chat
  • Available to all Indigenous people across Canada
• The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
  • Provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families