Aboriginal health

We recognize that our places of work and Vancouver Coastal facilities lie on the traditional homelands of the fourteen First Nation communities of Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai’xais, Lil'wat, Musqueam, N’Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, Sechelt, Skatin, Squamish, Tla’amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa’xtsa.

VCH began committing financial and human resources to the area of Aboriginal health in 1999, in order to work towards meaningful change in Aboriginal communities in our region. Our goal is to work closely with both urban and rural Aboriginal communities to help close the gap between the health status of Aboriginal community members and non-Aboriginal community members in our region.

Resources

Sacred Spaces & Gathering Places – This booklet outlines the sacred spaces and places for Aboriginal patients and their families to gather while accessing services in VCH.

Aboriginal Health Complaints Process – What to do with questions, concerns and complaints about your health care.

Programs

Aboriginal Patient Navigator Program

We can help you find your way. The Aboriginal Patient Navigator Program helps Aboriginal people access health services. Get in touch with a Vancouver Coastal Health Aboriginal Patient Navigator.
Toll-free: 1 (877) 875-1131
Fax: (604) 675-2552
Email: info.aboriginalhealth@vch.ca

To refer a patient to the Patient Navigator Program, fill out the Aboriginal patient navigator intake form and email or fax it to the program.

Aboriginal Wellness Program

The Aboriginal Wellness Program (A.W.P.) develops and delivers culturally safe mental wellness and addiction programs for First Nations and Aboriginal people residing within the Lower Mainland including:

Counselling
Therapeutic Groups
Cultural Support & Teachings

Aboriginal Mental Health Outreach

Perry Omeasoo – Aboriginal Mental Health Liaison
(604) 674-2530 extension 22240
perry.omeasoo@vch.ca

Aboriginal health strategic team leads

Bree Beveridge Aboriginal Health Lead, Central Coast
(604) 675-2530 extension 22227
bree.beveridge@vch.ca

Dion Thevarge Aboriginal Health Lead, Southern Stl’atl’imx, Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish
(604) 675-2530 extension 22242
dion.thevarge@vch.ca

Laurel Jebamani Aboriginal Health Lead, Joint Lead for Richmond, Vancouver
(604) 675-2530 extension 22251
laurel.jebamani@vch.ca

Shawna Duncan Aboriginal Health Lead, Joint Lead for North Shore, Sunshine Coast
(604) 675-2530 extension 22247
shawna.duncan@vch.ca

Contact First Nations Health Authority

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is the first province-wide health authority of its kind in Canada and was established in October 2013. The Ministry of Health and the six other health authorities work collectively with the FNHA and First Nations communities to ensure that public health programs are aligned with a First Nations perspective of wellness and can be adapted as appropriate to fit the unique needs of First Nations and Aboriginal people in BC.

General inquiries: (604) 693-6500 , or toll free: 1 (866) 913-0033
Health Benefits: Toll free: 1 (855) 550-5454
Email: info@fnha.ca

Contact Aboriginal Health

Questions, comments, or complaints?

Call: (604) 675-2530 extension 22231
Email: aboriginalhealthservices@vch.ca

General inquiries

We are open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for lunch 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.). Closed statutory holidays.

288 - 2750 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V5K 1Z9
Call: (604) 675-2551
Fax: (604) 675-2552
Email: aboriginalwellnessprogram@vch.ca

Access services

Primary care (Regular medical care)

If you’re looking for a health care provider providing culturally safe care, please contact one of the following services:

Lu'ma Medical Centre - (604) 558-8822
Urban Native Youth Association - (604) 254-7732
Vancouver Native Health Society - (604) 254-9949