IPL aims to improve Indigenous health outcomes by increasing access to culturally safe care for Indigenous Peoples and communities in rural BC. The program helps rural health professionals develop their sense of cultural humility and capacity to deliver care that is culturally safe and trauma-sensitive by co-creating and delivering Nation-specific education content in partnership with Indigenous Elders and patients.  

Education may include workshops, learning circles, digital materials or other types of education, depending on the community’s preference. Past trainings have addressed cultural safety, local Indigenous history, culture and land, intergenerational trauma, experiences with health care, access and barriers to services. 

Guiding Principles

Working together with Indigenous Nations and communities, rural physicians and health professionals to foster cultural humility, address systemic anti-Indigenous racism and improve the health of Indigenous peoples.	Community and patient voices drive this work.	Recognizing and dismantling systemic oppression, colonization and individual bias. Building and strengthening relationships between Indigenous Nations and physician communities by creating opportunities for learning, self-reflection and dialogue.