Programs
Community Health Service Program
The Community Health Service Program in Nuu-chah-nulth communities emphasizes a holistic, culturally grounded approach to care, focusing on health promotion, clinical support, advocacy, and cultural safety. Nurses empower individuals through immunizations, collaborative communicable disease prevention, surveillance and management, prenatal/postnatal care, sexual and reproductive health, chronic disease screening, prevention and management, and health education and promotion workshops that incorporate traditional knowledge—such as medicinal plants and seasonal foods—while partnering with Elders and Knowledge Keepers. They provide direct, client-centered care in homes and communities, including medication review and wound care while respecting family and community involvement and blending Western medicine with traditional healing practices and ceremonies. Advocacy efforts target systemic barriers, promoting Nuu-chah-nulth self-determination in health planning, securing resources for community programs, and collaborating with First Nations leadership and healthcare organizations to improve access to care. Central to their practice is cultural safety, relational practice and trauma-informed care, which honors Indigenous identity, addresses historical trauma, and fosters trust through active listening, humility, and adherence to OCAP® principles, ensuring care is community-led, respectful, and aligned with cultural protocols.
Homecare & Community Health Program
The Homecare and Community Health Program in Nuu-chah-nulth communities provide culturally safe, client-centered care in Nuu-chah-nulth and Indigenous communities by focusing on four key domains: 1) Clinical Care & Health Management, where they deliver skilled nursing interventions like chronic disease management, basic wound care, and palliative support while integrating traditional healing practices 2) Health Promotion & Prevention, emphasizing education, screenings, and immunizations using culturally relevant resources; 3) Care Coordination & Advocacy, navigating healthcare systems to connect clients with resources, referrals, and culturally safe services while advocating for self-determination; and 4) Cultural Safety & Trauma-Informed Care, ensuring all interactions honor Indigenous identity, address historical trauma, and respect community protocols like OCAP® By blending clinical expertise with cultural humility, these nurses support holistic well-being—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—while collaborating with Elders, families, and healthcare partners to foster resilient, healthier communities.
Nasuuk Ma? ayit Mah? Tii, – Urban Program – Port Alberni
This urban clinic serves to support families living away from their home communities - traditionally known as Nasuuk Ma? ayit Mah? Tii, Strong Family Home. The Nasuuk Ma? ayit Mah? Tii Program is a heart-centered initiative designed to wrap new mothers, babies, and families in culturally grounded care during the sacred and transformative postpartum period. From the moment a baby arrives, our nurses walk alongside mothers with deep respect for their stories, their emotions, and their unique journey into parenthood. Using the Mother’s Story approach, we listen really listen to the voices of mothers and their families, honoring their experiences of birth, from the sounds and sights of the delivery room to the flood of emotions that follow. This storytelling not only builds trust but also guides our care, helping us tailor support to each family’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. In the first six weeks and beyond, we focus on nurturing the bond between mother and baby, ensuring both thrive within the embrace of their family and community. We monitor newborns and parents with a gentle, watchful eye, while also connecting families to resources that strengthen their well-being—whether it’s advocacy for medical needs, referrals to cultural supports, or simply ensuring they have access to nourishing food and safe housing. Woven throughout this care is the rich tapestry of Nuu-chah-nulth traditions, where teachings, values, and practices are seamlessly integrated into every interaction. Each baby is welcomed into the world with a "Nuu-chah-nulth Nurses Welcome You" custom quilted blanket, a tangible symbol of the warmth, love, and cultural pride surrounding them. This program isn’t just about medical support—it’s about honoring the sacredness of new life, empowering mothers, and fostering a sense of belonging and strength as families begin their parenting journey. By blending clinical expertise with cultural wisdom, we create a space where mothers feel seen, supported, and celebrated, ensuring that every family starts their new chapter with confidence, care, and connection.
Nuu-chah-nulth Diabetes & Hypertension Wellness Program – Honoring Balance, Strength, and Community Health
The Nuu-chah-nulth Diabetes & Hypertension Wellness Program is a culturally grounded, community-driven initiative designed to address the disproportionate impacts of diabetes and hypertension in Indigenous communities through screening, prevention, and self-management support. Rooted in a public health lens, this program blends Western medical knowledge with Nuu-chah-nulth traditions, teachings, and holistic wellness practices to empower individuals and families to take charge of their health while honoring cultural values of balance, resilience, and interconnectedness.
Program Pillars:
- Culturally Safe Screening & Early Detection:
- Offer community-based screening clinics for diabetes and hypertension, conducted in a trauma-informed and culturally safe manner.
- Provide point-of-care testing (e.g., blood glucose, blood pressure, A1C) with immediate results and follow-up support.
- Ensure screenings are accessible, non-stigmatizing, and rooted in trust, with Elders and Knowledge Keepers involved to guide the process.
- Prevention Through Education & Community Engagement:
- Deliver culturally relevant workshops on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and traditional foods (e.g., harvesting, preparing, and incorporating seasonal foods like salmon, berries, and seaweed).
- Host intergenerational learning circles where Elders share teachings on holistic wellness, medicinal plants, and the connection between land, culture, and health.
- Partner with schools, community centers, and local leaders to promote prevention strategies that align with Nuu-chah-nulth values.
- Self-Management & Peer Support:
- Provide one-on-one and group support for individuals living with diabetes or hypertension, focusing on self-management skills (e.g., blood sugar monitoring, medication adherence, healthy cooking).
- Develop personalized care plans that incorporate traditional healing practices (e.g., smudging, drumming, or time on the land) alongside medical recommendations.
- Facilitate peer support networks where community members share experiences, challenges, and successes in managing their health.
- Advocacy & System Navigation:
- Advocate for equitable access to healthcare services, including specialist referrals, medication coverage, and medical supplies (e.g., glucose monitors, blood pressure cuffs).
- Assist individuals in navigating Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), primary care, and specialty services to ensure they receive the support they need.
- Collaborate with First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), local health centers, and traditional healers to bridge gaps in care and promote a seamless, wrap-around approach to wellness.
- Community & Family-Centered Care:
- Recognize that health is collective, involving families and communities in prevention and management efforts.
- Offer family-based education to support loved ones in understanding and assisting with diabetes and hypertension care.
- Organize community events (e.g., walking groups, cooking classes, cultural gatherings) to foster connection, motivation, and shared accountability for health.
- Data, Research & Community Leadership:
- Collect and analyze community-specific health data (with full adherence to OCAP® principles) to inform program improvements and advocate for systemic change.
- Empower Nuu-chah-nulth leadership and community members to guide the program’s direction, ensuring it remains responsive, relevant, and self-determined.
- Share success stories and lessons learned with other Indigenous communities to contribute to broader efforts in Indigenous health equity.
Why This Program Matters:
Diabetes and hypertension disproportionately affect Indigenous communities due to colonialism, systemic barriers, and social determinants of health. This program seeks to reclaim wellness by centering Nuu-chah-nulth knowledge, self-determination, and community strength. By addressing prevention, early detection, and self-management through a culturally safe and public health-informed lens, we aim to reduce complications, improve quality of life, and foster a future where Nuu-chah-nulth people thrive—mind, body, spirit, and community.
