Four Indigenous Wellness Providers (IWPs) are now available to provide holistic support to your clinic’s Indigenous patients and their families, walking with them on their health and wellness journey.

IWP training and patient encounters first started at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC). They are now ready to begin offering their support to the whole network.

How Indigenous Wellness Providers can support patients:

IWPs are support staff with knowledge of all aspects of the health care system, including Indigenous wellness practices.

Some recent examples of how they’re working with patients:

• A patient received multiple referrals for Arthritis supports but did not attend any info sessions or treatment. At a meeting with the IWP at the hospital it became clear that fear of the health system and a lack of information were their barrier. Thanks to the support of the IWP the patient decided to utilize the Arthritis referrals.
• A community member was aging out of youth support which included mental health support and counselling. The IWP was part of their transition team. Upon developing a relationship, the IWP recognized that the youth is seeking connection to culture. The IWP provided information on appropriate resources such as cultural events as well as a place to explore identity. The youth was willing to attend a cultural event and to learn more.
• An Elder needed footcare and the VNFC offers a footcare clinic. However, they did not have transport and HandyDart was not an option due to the complexity of issues. The IWP organized alternative transport and ensured the Elder can continue to access the service they need in a supportive environment.

Do you have Indigenous patients who might benefit from the support of an IWP? Or would you like to learn more about this program?
Please contact Katelyn Gordon, PCN Coordinator, at [email protected]