The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act will have an impact on the way we work with First Nations and Indigenous Communities on healthcare issues.

think: act led engagement efforts with Musqueam First Nation and Kelly Lake. Both these communities were approached because local health partners (Divisions of Familly Practice) were planning improvements to services that could affect the communities.

DRIPA means that we don’t just consult First Nations and Indigenous communities. Instead, we lead a process of co-design starting with the development of shared values and principles and a clear understanding of the constraints on the change: what we can offer and what we are unable to offer.

From that point on, we provide a container for a conversation about the needs of community members. In our experience, these usually include stories about “what went wrong“ so it is important that we listen with an open heart and mind.

Once we understand the needs of the community, we can work with members and leaders to design the delivery of culturally safe services in a way that is appropriate and convenient for the community.