News Release
Yellowknife (May 30, 2025) – The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is proud to share the NWT- Healthcare Excellence Canada’s Cultural Safety Design Collaborative Team Report: “Honouring the Voices of Indigenous Peoples.”
The report identifies 13 Actions for Change to improve the healthcare experience of Indigenous residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT). It is intended to reflect the lived experiences and stories of Indigenous peoples in the NWT seeking culturally safe and equitable healthcare, inform NWT Health and Social Services (HSS) System stakeholder’s policy and program decisions, and enable the NWT’s HSS system to strengthen Indigenous perspectives and leadership in their work.
The release of this report marks a significant step forward in the NWT HSS System’s commitment to creating a healthcare system that is inclusive, equitable, and grounded in the principles of cultural safety. By embracing the 13 Actions for Change, Health and Social Services Authorities (HSSAs) and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) can honour the voices of Indigenous residents across the Northwest Territories and can address systemic barriers to providing equitable care.
To access the report, please click here.
The NTHSSA would like to thank everyone who participated and supported in the creation of this initiative and report, generously sharing their time and wisdom.
Background:
The NWT’s Cultural Safety Design Collaborative (CSDC) project team was established in 2023 under the leadership of the NTHSSA, with involvement from NTHSSA staff, Indigenous Patient Advocates, and representatives from the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA), Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency (TCSA), and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). The CSDC, a Healthcare Excellence Canada initiative, aims to address racism experienced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis and foster cultural safety in the health systems across Canada. The NWT’s CSDC team was sponsored by Healthcare Excellence Canada who, in addition to Indigenous Services Canada, provided support and funding for this initiative.
For media requests, please contact:
NTHSSA Communications
(867) 767-9107 ext. 40116