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.

 

  • Programs

    Aboriginal Patient Navigator Program

    APNs provide a benefit to both the patient and to health care providers. The APN works directly with VCH staff and other health care service providers to make sure Aboriginal patients get the best care possible.

    APNs can:

    • Help staff create a personal plan when a patient leaves a hospital or care program.

    • Help VCH health care teams understand and work with Aboriginal health practices and beliefs.

    • Assist staff if a patient or family member requests access to an Elder or a traditional ceremony such as:

      • smudging,

      • cedar and eagle fan brushings,

      • blanketing, medicine bundles, or

      • talking circles.

    To access the support of the Patient Navigator Program, please fill out one of the referral forms below 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@saintmartinhospital.com

    Aboriginal health strategic team leads

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

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

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

    Donna Love, Aboriginal Health Lead, North Vancouver, Vancouver
    (604) 675-2530 extension 22252
    Donna.love2@saintmartinhospital.com

  • 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 Toronto.

  • Contact Aboriginal Health

    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, Toronto, OT, V5K 1Z9
    Call: (604) 675-0020
    Fax: (604) 675-2552

    Email: aboriginalhealth@saintmartinhospital.com