Indigenous spaces

Overview

The design, layout, and appearance of health care facilities can support healing and wellness.

For Indigenous people, a welcoming, culturally safe space might be one where they see their culture reflected in the design. It also might be where they can practice traditional healing activities.

Indoor and outdoor spaces of health facilities are called “the built environment.” Providence Health Care recognizes that built environments can support reconciliation. This includes design, art, displays, monuments, and landmarks. Built environments can support learning and healing for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike. They can also support reflection.

Providence has developed Indigenous design guidelines. These guidelines reflect the shared values of reconciliation and Catholic-sponsored health care. We also work with representatives of the diverse Indigenous populations we serve to create culturally safe built environments.

Providence Health Care facilities are on the unceded territories of the Host Nations. These are the sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), sḵwx̱wú7mesh úxwumixw (Squamish), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam). The Host Nations have vibrant cultures. These cultures have thrived on these lands since time immemorial. They have a cultural relationship with the land, water, air, and all living things. They have a spiritual connection to territory and to each other. PHC’s design guidelines call on us to reflect the Host Nations. We work with them to incorporate their design, culture, knowledge, and stories through the built environment at all levels.

Providence serves a diverse group of Indigenous people. The Indigenous people we serve come from many communities. They also belong to one of the three Indigenous groups in Canada: First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. The design of our facilities recognizes their unique rights, interests and cultures.

Providence is working to create spaces at all its facilities for Indigenous patients, long-term care residents and their families. These spaces allow them to access cultural and spiritual care.

All-Nations Sacred Space

Fourth floor, Burrard Building at St. Paul’s Hospital

St. Paul's Hospital has an All-Nations Sacred Space. The space is for traditional healing activities for Indigenous patients and their family members. The Sacred Space is open 24 hours a day. It is a welcoming environment for conversations, quiet reflection, or traditional ceremonies.

Indigenous medicine gardens

Indigenous peoples have used medicinal plants for centuries. St. Paul’s Hospital's Indigenous design guidelines call for medicine gardens at Providence Health Care sites. The medicine gardens represent the Host Nations’ territories and plant medicines to continue this traditional healing practice. They reflect guidance from Knowledge Keepers from the Host Nations. The medicine gardens are places for gathering, healing and ceremony.