‘Living With Cancer’ Resource Published to Support First Nations, Métis, and Aboriginal Peoples on Cancer Journey in BC

6/7/2017

For Immediate Release


COAST SALISH TERRITORY - The First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres and the BC Cancer Agency have partnered with First Nations and Métis cancer patients, survivors and their families to create a new resource that aims to support individuals and families on their cancer journey.

The “Living with Cancer: Everyone Deserves Support resource includes culturally appropriate and safe information on patient rights and navigating the cancer journey. The information is told through the stories of Indigenous cancer patients and their families who have gone through a cancer journey.

At the 2015 Telling Our Stories conference in Richmond BC, patients and families highlighted the need for an Indigenous-specific resource to support Indigenous cancer patients as they navigate the cancer care system. In response, the partner organizations developed this resource. The stories featured in this book were gathered at the Telling Our Stories Conference in June, 2016, Prince George BC. This work reflects three years of partnership supported by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. 

The partners would like to thank everyone who participated for their generous teachings and words of support for all those on cancer journeys.  The book will be available at the offices and centres of each partner organization, as well as online at: 

www.fnha.ca/WellnessSite/WellnessDocuments/Living-With-Cancer.pdf

Quotes:

“This resource sheds light on the Indigenous cancer journey here in BC. It highlights the needs of our people to combine western and Indigenous approaches in the healing journey. This book also reaffirms the need for our health system partners to do their part in promoting and understanding cultural safety and humility in order to improve cancer journeys for Indigenous people in the province.” 
 
Joe Gallagher – Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Health Authority

“Métis Nation British Columbia has been a proud partner in the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer - BC Initiative for the past three years. We are very pleased to see the culmination of our hard work come together in the creation of the “Living with Cancer” resource book to help support Métis and First Nations individuals and their families, as they navigate the cancer system. We hope that those who are touched by cancer, find the Métis version of the booklet beneficial and a useful tool to refer to along their cancer journey, as we know that acknowledging our Culture is an important part of the healing process. The Métis and First Nations art that has been permanently displayed in the six cancer centres, serves as a welcome and a reminder of how important Culture is to all Indigenous people.”  
 
Susie Hooper - Minister responsible for Health‎, Metis Nation British Columbia 
 
“It is vital for our staff at BC Cancer to continue to grow and learn from the experiences of our patients so that we can continue to deliver the best care and support possible. As an Agency, we are committed to learning about and understanding the unique needs of Indigenous people on their cancer journey. A resource like ‘Living with Cancer’ has incredible value for all of us in the way it brings to life the stories and experiences of Indigenous cancer survivors and their families. I will be encouraging all of us at BC Cancer Agency to read this book.”

Dr. Malcolm Moore – President, BC Cancer Agency 
 
“This resource was developed through extensive engagement with Indigenous cancer survivors, families and caregivers and is a result of the collaborative efforts of all the partners involved. It will hopefully contribute to a better cancer care journey for Indigenous cancer patients throughout BC.”  

Leslie Varley – Executive Director, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres 
 
 
Media Contact:

First Nations Health Authority  
Media@fnha.ca  
604-831-4898

Download this Media Release in PDF format (112 KB)

Living With Cancer (PDF 8.67 MB)