Indigenous patient navigators
Indigenous patient navigators at BC Cancer play an important role in supporting Indigenous patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.
As an Indigenous patient navigator, you will:
- Connect patients with supports and resources offered by community and regional health organizations
- Work with Indigenous communities and organizations to improve access to appropriate care
- Partner with the cancer care team to provide supportive, trauma-informed and culturally safe care for Indigenous patients and their families
This rewarding role allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families. It requires strong communication, relationship-building and problem-solving skills.
These services are available to patients who identify as Indigenous, including First Nations (Status and Non-status), Métis, and Inuit.
You will need education, training and experience equivalent to a diploma or degree in a related health discipline, health or social sciences, or a patient care or clinical field.
We highly value and prioritize lived experience and expertise as an Indigenous person.
The information below is not a complete list of programs or schools. It is intended as a starting point for exploring this career path.
Qualifications
- Lived experience as an Indigenous person (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) in Canada is valued
- Knowledge of and experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations
- Strong understanding of Indigenous peoples’ demographics, languages, cultures, customs and traditions
- Knowledge of the health care system and community-based resources in the region
- Understanding of cultural safety, anti-racism practices, Canadian colonization, Indigenous-specific racism, and their impacts on the health and wellness of Indigenous peoples
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to use sound professional judgment, empathy, compassion and integrity
- Ability to prioritize work, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports
- Ability to adapt as the Indigenous care program evolves
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and achieve goals
Relevant degrees
- Bachelor of Health Sciences (4 years)
- Bachelor of Public Health (4 years)
- Bachelor of Social Work (4 years)
Education programs in British Columbia for Indigenous patient navigators
- British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Simon Fraser University (SFU)
- Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
- University of Victoria (UVic)
