Indigenous Featured Careers

Learn about the types of roles that support Indigenous patients and their families.

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Indigenous Patient Navigators

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Indigenous Patient Navigators at BC Cancer play a vital role in supporting Indigenous patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.  

As an Indigenous Patient Navigator, you will:
  • Help connect patients with the support and resources offered by community and regional health organizations
  • Support Indigenous communities and organizations to improve access to appropriate care
  • Work with the cancer team to deliver supportive, trauma-informed and culturally safe care to Indigenous patients and their families
It's a rewarding, impactful role that requires exceptional interpersonal, communication  and problem-solving skills.

These services are available to patients who identify as Indigenous, including First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit.​​​

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​​​Education

In this role, you will need a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a diploma or degree in a related health discipline, health or social sciences, or a patient care/clinical related discipline.

Lived experience and expertise as an Indigenous person is deeply valued and is prioritized.

The information below is not a comprehensive list of available programs or schools but is intended to serve as a starting point for exploring this career path.

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Qualifications

  • Lived experience as an Indigenous person (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) to Canada is valued​
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) communities and organizations. Extensive knowledge of Indigenous peoples’ demographics, languages, cultures, customs, and traditions
  • Experience or knowledge of the health care system and community-based resources within the region
  • Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and application of cultural safety and anti-racism practice within health care. Demonstrated understanding of Canadian colonization, Indigenous specific racism and its impact on the current health and wellness of Indigenous peoples
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to use sound professional judgment, empathy, compassion, and integrity
  • Ability to prioritize workload, keep accurate records and write reports as necessary
  • Ability to adapt as the Indigenous care program evolves
  • Ability to work independently and utilize strong time management skills to meet deadlines and accomplish objectives

Relevant degrees

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  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (4 years)
  • Bachelor of Public Health (4 years)
  • Bachelor of Social Work (4 years)​

Education programs in British Columbia for IPNs
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  • 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)
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Interested in learning more about the education requirements and available programs for Indigenous Patient Navigator opportunities? Please see our Student Education Pathways document to learn more.

Read the Student Education Pathways booklet


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Indigenous Health Promotion Specialists

​Join BC Cancer as an Indigenous Health Promotion Specialist on the Indigenous Cancer Control team and contribute to i​​mproving cancer care and outcomes for Indigenous peoples across British Columbia.

This meaningful work focuses on:

  • Fostering culturally safe and equitable cancer control initiatives
  • Building strong relationships with Indigenous communities
  • Advancing health promotion strategies that reflect Indigenous knowledge and practices

This position is part of BC Cancer’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. You will work with Indigenous communities and health care teams to develop programs that focus on cancer prevention, education and care. Your efforts will help ensure that Indigenous peoples receive fair, compassionate and effective cancer care services.

​Education

In this role, you will need a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Lived experience and expertise as an Indigenous person is deeply valued and is prioritized.

The information below is not a comprehensive list of available programs or schools but is intended to serve as a starting point for researching this career path.

Qualifications

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  • A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field
  • Five years of recent related experience working with Indigenous communities in public health, health promotion, education, community development/capacity building
  • Lived experience with patient population is valued

You will also have:

  • Demonstrated presentation, facilitation, and collaboration skills that display an ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work professionally and with discretion
  • Ability to interact professionally with a variety of staff as a member of a team, other professionals and the public; ability to maintain and build partnerships through relationship building and networking
  • Knowledge of issues related to cancer prevention and related health care environment and trends
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative and work with minimal supervision
  • Demonstrated ability to use computer related tools including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and internet and presentation software at an advanced level
  • A proven ability to problem-solve and be a creative and proactive thinker
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, ability to prioritize work, and be flexible to changing priorities while under various time constraints to meet deadlines

Relevant degrees
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (4 years)
  • Bachelor of Public Health (4 years)
  • Bachelor of Social Work (4 years)
  • Bachelor Administration / Marketing (4 years)​

Education programs in British Columbia for IHPs
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  • British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
  • Camosun College
  • Capilano University 
  • 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)​
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Other career opportunities

​There are many different opportunities at BC Cancer where you can build a rewarding career and make an impact on people across British Columbia. 

Learn more about these featured career paths: 


Interested in learning about where to get started in these careers? Find more information about educational requirements in our Student Education Pathways document.
Read the Student Education Pathways booklet​
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