For Immediate Release
Shared territories of the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ Nations | VICTORIA
People, families and Elders living in Victoria can access culturally safe primary care and traditional wellness services, following the grand opening of the Esquimalt Health Center.
"The development of this Health Centre has been a long time in the making. It will increase access to care and support a wide range of programs and services that strengthen health and wellness in our community and neighbouring Indigenous communities," said Chief Jerome Thomas. “Most importantly, it will be a culturally safe place where our members feel welcomed, respected, and know they belong. We thank all our partners, Elders, staff and community members whose collaboration and commitment made this important facility possible."
The Centre is open at 1200 Seenupin Road, Victoria, BC and reflects a hub and spoke model of care. Clients can access a wide range of integrated services, including primary care, maternal health alongside a dedicated space for traditional healing, including a healing room with traditional medicines.
“Today's opening is about more than a building - it's about creating a place where people feel seen, supported, and connected to care that reflects who they are", said Greg Shea, Chief Operating Officer, First Nations Health Authority. “The Esquimalt Health Centre, a home to the Coast Salish First Nations Primary Care Initiative, will help ensure that individuals and families across the region can access care that is culturally grounded, community-driven, and wholistic."
Esquimalt Health Centre serve as a home base for the primary care team, the place to “hang their coats", while extending services outward to the surrounding communities of T'Sou-ke, Songhees, and SC'IȺNEW̱̱. Together, this network ensures that care is accessible, connected, and rooted in the needs of the people it serves.
“Our vision at the FNHA is to support healthy, self-determining and vibrant First Nations children, families and communities in BC," said Monica McAlduff, CEO, FNHA. “With the support of health-system partners, First Nations communities and municipalities in BC, we can continue our shared journey towards a culturally safe and sustainable health-care system that meets the needs of First Nations in BC."
As part of the First Nations Primary Care Initiative, the centre is one of three First Nations Primary Care Centres that will support communities in the Vancouver Island region.
Quick Facts:
- Esquimalt Health Centre is part of the First Nations-Led Primary Health Care Initiative, which aims to develop up to 15 First Nations-led Primary Health Care Centre (FNPCCs) in rural centres and urban locations across BC.
Learn More:
Contacts:
First Nations Health Authority
Media Relations
778-984-5962
Media@fnha.ca
