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This has been one of the most helpful educational experiences in my career!
— B.C.

I think this is something that I will carry forward with me no matter what work or possible future position I may hold down the line.
— E.J.

I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
— K.B.

Having the ability to at the very least recognize that my way of doing things or "the way things are done" is not the only way.
— K.B.

It shook my foundation.
— K.B.

It challenged my view of myself.
— K.B.

It was a course that had an impact on my personal life.
— K.B.

I am a better person for having been involved in it.
— K.B.

I will look more closely at my own world views and values to determine how these notions shape my understanding and interactions with indigenous clients and clients of different backgrounds.
— A.K.

I have drawn on this course material already in my practice and it has helped me feel more comfortable when Aboriginal clients talk about spiritual/cultural beliefs.
— L.S.

The information reinforced and strengthened my practice with Aboriginal people.
— L.S.

It already has shifted the way I engage with clients in terms of learning new ways to ask questions and I have brought up this training and concepts learned from it in our practice council and have encourage others to participate in it.
— R.O.

Awesome program. I realize through this training that I have so much more to learn.
— K.Y.

I see it as ongoing learning that contributes to my learning and will continue to influence my relationships with aboriginal people and organizations in my work and in my life.
— J.M.

I enjoyed the facilitator's responses and how she was very open and understanding to our responses.
— R.M.

I felt very comfortable throughout and not judged for my feelings and thoughts.
— R.M.

The list of "do's" and "don'ts" was the best compiled list I've ever seen for working with First Nation's people. I will be using this list in my work from now on.
— G.M.

The amount of information was incredible. The facilitators are so knowledgeable and helpful. The course has made me so much more aware of issues faced by Aboriginal people now and the historical context of the experiences they encounter.
— V.S.

The context from which Aboriginal people come has been such an eye-opener.
— V.S.

The quality of the content was fabulous.
— C.F.

The course was non-judgemental & didn't tell me what I was doing was wrong.
— C.F.

The course showed me a better way and provided insight into some of my current thinking and actions.
— C.F.

It will help me provide more in-depth analysis in research and writing about health inequities and how the social determinants of health produce differential outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations. All too often, I think I just make over-generalized statements about how Aboriginal health and well-being is disproportionate to non-Aboriginal health and well-being, without really explaining why or how that came to be the case. Also, I often lump "disadvantaged" populations (women, Aboriginals, and visible minorities) in one group, but because of this training, I will give more thought and analysis to each group individually - because they are inherently different and deserve appropriate care/attention.
— J.D.

I did some study during my degree but I learned more in these short modules that I ever had before.
— J.W.

It is one thing to learn about stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and racism, it is another to see what it would be like to be the recipient of this in a clinical setting where respectful medical assistance should be the norm.
— L.M.

We have made 'Hand Washing' modules compulsory, but what could be more meaningful than ensuring that all health professionals are expected to have at least a basic understanding of cultural competency and how to make their practice meaningful. I was particularly impressed by this course's ability to bring history alive and demonstrate how colonization continues to affect indigenous health today. Thank you so much for the opportunity to take this course!!
— S.H.

I want everyone I work with to do this course - it is outstanding! I already felt like I had a lot of knowledge around Aboriginal issues, but this course weaves information together so effectively and I learned many new things.
— S.H.

Thank you so much for this wonderful course on Indigenous cultural competency! I really appreciate all the help, encouragement, and effort from the course facilitators! I wish I had started this course earlier so that I would have more time to process the information! But in any case, this is probably by far the most helpful and informative training on cultural competency that I have ever attended! I thank all the course developers, facilitators, and Vancouver Coastal Health for this wonderful experience! I look forward to more training on aboriginal cultural competency in the near future!
— C.C.

This was a very insightful training and I highly recommend it for anyone and think that more people that don't work with First Nations should take. I am first nations and didn't know about the history and it has changed my outlook. I think everyone should take this training!!
— L.L.

I thought it was absolutely invaluable. I learned more participating in this online course then many other courses I had previously been part of. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. I gained so much information and knowledge that I will take with me forever!
— R.T

Mostly, I had an honest look at my own thoughts and beliefs and where I need to make changes within myself. I also became aware of changes that need to be made in offices and working with aboriginal and non-aboriginal clients. (i.e: intake process, intake paperwork, outreach, etc)
— R.T.

I have also found it extremely enlightening and it has really deepened my awareness. Pleasantly surprised at how useful and educational it has been. I’m going to recommend to my principal that all of our staff should do it. Thanks for the opportunity!
— S.W.

Welcome!

Cultural safety is about fostering a climate where the unique history of Indigenous peoples is recognized and respected in order to provide appropriate care and services in an equitable and safe way, without discrimination.

This website includes information about the San’yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program delivered by the Provincial Health Services Authority of British Columbia. » Learn More About Us

To learn more about the San’yas: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program follow the links above. You will be able to register for and log into the core training and once you have completed the core training, you will have access to supplementary training, resources, and on-going support.

News & Updates

National Indigenous Cultural Safety Learning Series Webinar Announced!

We are pleased to announce the National webinar of the Indigenous Cultural Safety Learning Series. If you are interested, please register for the next webinar here. You can view the previous webinars on the ICS website.

May 25th, 2015 — Groups to be available exclusively for Indigenous people

In addition to the regular Core Health and Mental Health training, we are offering Core Health and Mental Health groups for Indigenous people only starting in August. If you are an Indigenous person working for a Health Authority or an Indigenous person working in the health field and are interested in participating, please click here: Indigenous.

May 25th, 2015 — Funding for Indigenous people

Funding may be available for Indigenous people to take the training. Please contact ics@phsa.ca

Core Training

Core ICS Foundations Training is designed to increase understanding of Indigenous people, increase self awareness and strengthen skills for any person working directly or indirectly with Indigenous people. This training would be of interest to anyone working in justice, policing, child and family services, education, business and government. » Learn More

Core ICS Health Training was designed for Health Authority, Ministry of Health, and other professionals working in the health care field. It includes the foundation provided in Core ICS with an additional two modules that focus on health care issues for those working with Indigenous people in British Columbia.

» Learn More

Core ICS Mental Health Training was designed for Health Authority, Ministry of Health, and other professionals working in the mental health field. It includes the foundation provided in Core ICS with an additional two modules that focus on mental health issues for those working with Indigenous people in British Columbia. » Learn More

Core ICS Child Welfare Training is designed for child welfare professionals working with Indigenous children & families. It includes the foundation provided in Core ICS with an additional two modules that focus on child welfare issues specific to preserving the racial and cultural identity development of Indigenous children in care. » Learn More

Testimonial

"The training is fantastic!!! It seemed like a lot of work went into its development. And I hope that PHSA is able to get all health care workers in BC trained! It's great to see that cultural competency training is moving away from teaching about different Aboriginal cultures and practices, to challenging the stereotypes, power dynamics, and culture and attitudes we bring that continue to negatively shape the health status of marginalized populations. Thanks for the opportunity to take part in this training!!!"

— E.S.

I have an MA in Cultural Studies and I found this course to be the most concise distillation of complex themes and theories I have ever seen. The course brought history alive with an emotional punch, that simple facts and figures don't achieve. The use of video, personal narratives, theory, history etc puts the whole concept of cultural competency in great context. The course is the perfect mix of information and tips to promote a change in practice.
- S.H.

I know my attitude has changed. I used to feel personally guilty for what my forefathers did and didn't do. I cried sometimes. Then, so that I didn't always feel badly, I used to think that we are all Canadians now and after a few hundred years we are all different from the colonials who settled here. The descendants from the Europeans have evolved why can't the First Nations just get over it and stop harping on how poorly they are done by. I now see the shallowness and the error of my ways. I see that when nations of people are beaten down, they simply cannot pull up their bootstraps and get on with it. It is going to take a huge amount of time, education and commitment to change. I am much better able to take on that challenge after taking this course. I know I will still cry sometimes but that is ok. Thank you. - N.H.

Accreditation

The on-line Core Health and Core Mental Health program meets the accreditation criteria of The College of Family Physicians of Canada. This Self-Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to 20 Mainpro+ credits.

The British Columbia Core Health training meets the accreditation criteria of The College of Optometrists of BC for 8 hours of Public Health (Ocular Health).

Core ICS Health - The University of British Columbia Division of Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD) is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Continuing Medical Education (CACME) to provide study credits for continuing medical education for physicians. This activity is an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program (MOC) of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and has been approved by UBC CPD for up to 10.0 MOC Section 3 Self-Assessment hours (credits are automatically calculated). Each physician should claim only those credits accrued through participation in the activity.

Core ICS Mental Health - The University of British Columbia Division of Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD) is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Continuing Medical Education (CACME) to provide study credits for continuing medical education for physicians. This activity is an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program (MOC) of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and has been approved by UBC CPD for up to 10.0 MOC Section 3 Self-Assessment hours (credits are automatically calculated). Each physician should claim only those credits accrued through participation in the activity.

From Bystander to Ally - The University of British Columbia Division of Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD) is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Continuing Medical Education (CACME) to provide study credits for continuing medical education for physicians. This activity is an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program (MOC) of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and has been approved by UBC CPD for up to 5.0 MOC Section 3 Self-Assessment hours (credits are automatically calculated). Each physician should claim only those credits accrued through participation in the activity.