Healthier You

continued from page 10
“I really enjoy community care. I feel I can
provide care in a very personal way. I enjoy
getting to know our clients well and spending
that one-on-one time with them.”
“I think it’s really important for our Aboriginal
patients and clients to have Aboriginal people
working here and providing care,” says Kirsten.
“If you look at something like pain level, or
other issues that are bothering them, sometimes
people may not tell the truth. They may view it
as complaining, which is not their custom. But if
I start talking to
them about what
band they are
from, their family
relations and
cultural practices,
they feel more
comfortable and
open up more.”
“The information
helps us develop
and implement
Aboriginal human resource strategies that
encourage Aboriginal people to pursue healthcare
careers,” says Brad Anderson, Director
of Aboriginal Health in Interior Health. “We
know the availability of Aboriginal health-care
professionals is linked to improved health
outcomes for Aboriginal people. There is a great
opportunity to meet the human resource needs
of our organization while also supporting the
health-care needs of our communities.”
“From a staff perspective, I
think it’s important to see other
Aboriginal staff and to hear
their stories.
The Aboriginal Self Identification initiative
supports various elements of Interior Health’s
Aboriginal Health and Wellness Strategy, as well
as its Aboriginal Human Resources Strategy.
“From a staff perspective, I think it’s important
to see other Aboriginal staff and to hear their
stories. I find it inspiring. I’d love to eventually
become an RN, and knowing others have been
on that journey and accomplished their goals is
inspiring,” says Kirsten.
Another important part of the Aboriginal Self
Identification
program is
patient and client
– Kirsten Tallio
self-identifying.
At registration,
patients and
clients are asked
whether they
self-identify as
Aboriginal or
Métis. Like the
staff program,
participation is voluntary. If they answer
“yes”, there are additional questions, including
whether or not they would like to be put in
touch with unique programs and services
such as Interior Health’s Aboriginal Patient
Navigators.
“It’s important to us that we provide culturally
sensitive care,” says Brad. “Ultimately, the
information helps us develop, implement and
assess services that support those receiving care.”
More info:
Visit Interior Health at www.interiorhealth.ca to learn more
about the Aboriginal Self Identification initiative.
12 Healthier You spring 2016