ਐਮਰਜੰਸੀ
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Indigenous Cultural Safety

We are committed to addressing and decreasing health inequities for Indigenous people by providing culturally safe and responsive services.

Along with our health system partners, we have signed a Declaration of Commitment to have cultural competency, humility and safety embedded at all levels of the health system. 

  • Cultural competency refers to an understanding of cross-cultural interactions and an awareness and acceptance of the variety of people and populations that we work with. 
  • Cultural humility is a process of self-reflection to understand personal and systemic biases and to develop and maintain respectful processes and relationships based on mutual trust. Cultural humility involves humbly acknowledging oneself as a learner when it comes to understanding another’s experience.
  • Cultural safety is an outcome of cultural competency, defined and experienced by those who receive the service – they feel safe. Cultural safety is based on understanding the power differentials and potential discriminations inherent in the health service delivery system.
Icon for VCH pillar of Indigenous Cultural Safety

VCH pillar: Indigenous Cultural Safety

Committing to reconciliation and learning, and providing the best care informed by the history and culture of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Cultural Safety Policy

The Indigenous Cultural Safety Policy guides us to become a culturally safe organization and informs our policies and programs. We are committed to ensuring this policy is embedded throughout VCH. Read the Indigenous Cultural Safety Policy

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Indigenous Health Team

The Indigenous Health team supports our commitment to provide culturally safe care through Indigenous patient care programs and learning opportunities for staff.

Learn more about Indigenous Health

Our pillars guiding our commitment to care

Our vision

We believe in delivering exceptional care and our patients, clients and residents are at the centre of all that we do. Our vision and purpose inspire us and our values and pillars guide us.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Promoting a sense of belonging where we can bring our whole selves to VCH.

Anti-Racism

Creating a community where we dismantle attitudes, practices and processes that impact people based on their race or ethnicity.

Planetary Health

Restoring, stewarding and conserving healthy ecosystems for generations to come.