Embedded Files
Exploring healthcare disparities and advocating for equitable access for marginalized communities through interviews and art. Putting people at the center of the conversation, especially those whose voices are often overlooked, like those of Indigenous communities. By giving space to their lived experiences, we highlight insight and truth-"beacons of hope"-that are otherwise obscured by statistics and generalized narratives.
Together We Can Make A Difference
Our mission is to identify and address healthcare disparities faced by marginalized groups, advocating for equitable access to quality care. Through research, community engagement, and collaboration with healthcare providers, we aim to raise awareness, influence policy, and promote culturally competent practices that empower all individuals to achieve optimal health outcomes.
To identify inequities in healthcare for marginalized populations in BC, Hailey reached out to several hundred individuals to arrange interviews that would gather firsthand experiences regarding healthcare disparities. Her goal was to understand whether inequities exist, uncover the root causes of these issues, and explore potential improvements. So far, she has conducted ten interviews with experts and professionals in the healthcare field. Half of the interviewees preferred to not be on the record, so this website contains only transcripts for the five interviews that were recorded.
The five interviews reveal a strong focus on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) in healthcare, particularly for Indigenous communities. An equity advisor from the Faculty of Medicine discusses her role in promoting trauma-informed practices and cultural safety among clinical faculty, learners, and staff.
A member of the Indigenous Cancer Control Team at BC Cancer emphasizes the importance of Indigenous Patient Navigators in supporting patients and improving access to services, while also highlighting the need for staff training to combat discrimination. The interviewees collectively advocate for a holistic, trauma-informed approach that acknowledges the historical trauma faced by Indigenous peoples.
They stress the importance of respectful care and cultural safety in healthcare, referencing resources like the "In Plain Sight" report, which addresses Indigenous-specific racism. The integration of traditional healing practices and community feedback mechanisms are highlighted as crucial for improving healthcare outcomes.
Additionally, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) focuses on cultural safety through mandatory training for healthcare workers and partnerships that promote holistic care. While client satisfaction with services is high, systemic challenges like unstable funding impede effective service delivery, leading FNHA to call for core funding to address ongoing trauma in Indigenous communities. Overall, the interviews reflect a commitment to meaningful dialogue, reconciliation, and the integration of cultural awareness in healthcare practices.
The interview features an equity advisor from the Faculty of Medicine, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives. She describes her role as supporting clinical faculty, learners, and staff in implementing equity and respectful environment goals, emphasizing trauma-informed practices and cultural safety in healthcare.
In this interview, a member of the Indigenous Cancer Control Team at BC Cancer discusses enhancing cultural safety for Indigenous patients in six centers. They highlight the role of Indigenous Patient Navigators in providing support and access to services, as well as the importance of staff training to address discrimination. The interviewee also notes community resources for trauma support and their personal motivation to improve healthcare outcomes for Indigenous communities.
The interview emphasizes a holistic, trauma-informed approach in healthcare, particularly regarding Indigenous peoples' historical trauma. The interviewee advocates for respectful care and highlights resources for understanding trauma-informed practices. They discuss the need for cultural safety in healthcare, addressing Indigenous-specific racism, and refer to the "In Plain Sight" report on these issues. Hailey shares her artistic project reflecting these themes, and the conversation concludes with community resources for trauma support and feedback mechanisms for evaluating cultural safety.
The conversation reveals a deep commitment to integrating cultural awareness into healthcare practices and the ongoing efforts to foster meaningful dialogue around reconciliation. Both participants recognize the importance of understanding heritage and identity as crucial elements in addressing trauma and promoting cultural safety within the healthcare system.
The interviewee highlighted the integration of traditional healing in youth and crisis management programs. FNHA tracks community needs quarterly and adjusts outreach in response to significant events. Cultural safety is prioritized through mandatory training for healthcare workers and partnerships that promote holistic care, including a recent psychological first aid program involving Indigenous elders. Client feedback indicates high satisfaction with hands-on healing services. However, systemic challenges, such as unstable funding, hinder effective service delivery, leading FNHA to advocate for core funding to address the ongoing trauma faced by Indigenous communities.
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