There are approximately 200,000 Indigenous people in BC. They include First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. There are more than 200 distinct First Nations in B.C., each with their own unique traditions and history. More than 30 different First Nation languages and close to 60 dialects are spoken in the province.
BC prioritizes culturally safe forensic psychiatric care, particularly for Indigenous patients. Forensic Psychiatric Services provides a culturally safe and inclusive workplace that is free of Indigenous-specific racism and racism overall. It is deeply committed to creating an anti-racist organization, fostering a safe, inclusive, and diverse community, and striving for health equity for all.
All forensic physicians must adhere to Indigenous cultural safety practices and prevent Indigenous-specific racism as well as ensure holistic care planning, access to Indigenous wellness practices, and advocacy for culturally appropriate treatment. Indigenous cultural safety means working in ways that are fairer for Indigenous people, and free from discrimination. To do this we must consider colonial history and show respect for Indigenous culture, identity, and rights. Indigenous cultural safety is an outcome based on respectful engagement; it is when Indigenous people feel safer in relationships and when receiving services. Indigenous-specific racism (or anti-Indigenous racism) encompasses the images, beliefs, attitudes, and actions that significantly disadvantages Indigenous peoples fair access to services. In Canada, colonialism is the foundation on which Indigenous -specific racism is built. It can be expressed at the interpersonal level through stereotypes, prejudice and discriminatory behaviour and is carried out at systemic levels through policies, practices, and legislation.
All forensic physicians must complete the online San’yas training course to learn about Indigenous cultural safety and the prevention of Indigenous-specific racism prior to practicing in BC.
All forensic physicians practicing in BC are required to complete the San’yas Anti‑Racism Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program, an online facilitated course developed by the Provincial Health Services Authority. Designed to deepen awareness of Indigenous history, systemic racism, and cultural safety, the training equips healthcare providers with essential skills to offer respectful, culturally informed care.
San’yas, derived from a Kwak’wala term meaning “way of knowing”, focuses on anti‑racism and cultural safety to support transformative change in healthcare practice. This training isn’t just a requirement, it’s a step toward fostering safe, respectful environments for Indigenous patients and communities across BC.
The PHSA – IHD – Anti-Indigenous Racism Response Training course is only for those at PHSA worksites.
This PHSA online course assists learners to meet their responsibilities to maintain safe and respectful relationships with Indigenous patients and co-workers. Participants will be able to identify and respond to anti-Indigenous racism in the workplace and in clinical services. If you have any questions regarding registration, please email the contact email below.
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Whether you’re a forensic physician looking for support, a prospective physician exploring opportunities in BC, or simply seeking more information about our initiatives, we’re here to help. Reach out to the Forensic Physician Engagement Society (FPES), and let’s start the conversation.
