Cultural Safety and Support:
Indigenous Cultural Safety: UBC Midwifery is committed to implementing the recommendations of the In Plain Site report and participates in actions such as:
- Midwifery students participate in UBC 23 24 – Indigenous Cultural Safety Training
- Integrating competencies for Indigenous Midwifery Knowledge and Skills, guided by Elders and Indigenous midwives
UBC Midwifery’s response to In Plain Sight Report
UBC Indigenous Strategic Plan
Position Statements: UBC Midwifery endorses:
- The Indigenous cultural safety work and the Position Statements of the National Council of Indigenous Midwives (NCIM), additionally fully endorsed by the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM).
- The United Nations Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action.
UBC Faculty of Medicine response to the TRC Calls to Action
Practice Standards:
- UBC Midwifery abides by the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) practice standards for Indigenous cultural safety, cultural humility, and anti-racism, and the specific actions promoted by the Midwives Association of BC (MABC).
- UBC Midwifery acknowledges the NCIM’s work on the Framework of Competencies for Indigenous Midwifery Knowledge and Skills and is working to integrate competencies across the curriculum, as appropriate, under the guidance of Elders and Indigenous midwives.
Indigenous Leadership and Advocacy
The Indigenous Student Coordinator works to support the success of Indigenous midwifery students from admissions to graduation through special learning sessions, activities, and socials. They are a mentor for Indigenous students as they grow into midwifery and provide Indigenous learning opportunities and experiences throughout the years of the program. The Indigenous Student Coordinator oversees numerous processes within UBC Midwifery, which optimize the accessibility of the program for Indigenous students and their experience in the program.
Health and Wellbeing
UBC Counselling Services (Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing (IMHW) Program):
- Respects the wisdom, traditions and unique experiences of Indigenous students.
- The program offers free, confidential counselling, mentorship, planning sessions, and cultural resources tailored to Indigenous students.
- Locations include Brock Hall and the First Nations Longhouse.
Self-declared Indigenous students, including First Nations (Status/Non-Status), Métis, Inuit, and others, are welcome. Self-identification is confidential and voluntary, ensuring personalized services.
Contact the Aboriginal Student and Community Development Officer at the First Nations House of Learning at 604 –822-8941 or email fnhl.community@ubc.ca.
FNHA First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day
The FNHA’s First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program provides virtual health care and referral support for individuals with limited or no access to a doctor or who are unable to get an appointment. This service is available to all Indigenous Peoples living in BC and their family members, even if those family members are not Indigenous.
- 1-855-344-3800
- Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm (daily)
FNHA First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service
The FNHA’s First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service provides individuals with access to specialists in addictions medicine and psychiatry as well as mental health and wellness care coordinators. This service is available to all Indigenous Peoples living in BC and their family members, even if those family members are not Indigenous. Please note that this is a referral-based service.
Referrals from trusted health and wellness providers, Knowledge Keepers, and Elders are welcomed. The First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day Service (see above) provides referral support for anyone who does not have a provider.
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) covers the basic BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) and other extended health insurance coverage for Indigenous students. For more information, visit the HealthInsurance for Indigenous Students webpage.
FNHA Health Benefits Program
The FNHA Health Benefits Program provides status First Nations people living in BC with a comprehensive and community-driven health benefits plan.
Please note that many mental health and wellness counselling providers are registered to bill FNHA Health Benefits directly for services. Before booking an appointment with a counsellor, call FNHA Health Benefits or check the provider list to verify if they are registered and if the service is eligible for coverage.
- 1-855-550-5454
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program provides cultural and emotional support services as well as mental health counselling services to survivors of Indian Residential Schools and the families of former students.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health Support Services
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) covers counselling and cultural support services for survivors, family members, and those affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
- 1-844-413-6649 (24/7 support line)
The UBC Learning Circle, a partnership between the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health and the First Nations Health Authority, provides ongoing educational opportunities for health-care workers and professionals in First Nations communities. Delivered through videoconferences and webinars, these sessions foster the exchange of knowledge, including successful health practices, traditional Indigenous perspectives, and insights from experienced and emerging speakers, researchers, and other experts.
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We Matter
We Matter is a place for Indigenous young people to turn for uplift, support, or reminder that you matter. Get help now.
Here2Talk
Here2Talk is Accessible anywhere in the world; this service provides free, 24/7 single-session counselling by phone or online chat for all UBC students.
First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Benefits Mental Health Providers List
If you have questions about providers you can call the IRS toll-free number at 1.877.477.0775 Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm or download the service provider list.
The Hope for Wellness Help Line
The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides immediate mental health support and crisis counselling for Indigenous people across Canada. Culturally competent counsellors are available 24/7 by phone and online chat.
Phone and chat counselling is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut on request. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the chat box on their website.
Métis Crisis Line Society
Call 1-833-Metis-BC (1-833-638-4722), 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
KUU-US Crisis Line Society
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides crisis services to Indigenous Peoples in BC through education, prevention, and intervention programs.
- 1-833-638-4722 (Métis line)
- 250-723-4050 (adults/elders)
- 250-723-2040 (children/youth)
- 1-800-588-8717 (toll-free)
Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) Crisis Line
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) provides counselling services as well as cultural and emotional support to Residential School Survivors, their families, and individuals dealing with intergenerational trauma in BC.
- 1-800-721-0066
Academic Support and Spaces
The University of British Columbia is committed to fostering respect for diversity and supporting Indigenous students’ cultural and spiritual traditions. In alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, UBC provides accommodations for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students to participate in observances of cultural and spiritual significance. This policy ensures flexibility in academic requirements, such as alternative exam dates or assignments, while maintaining academic integrity. Students are encouraged to plan ahead and communicate their needs with instructors or program offices to arrange accommodations promptly.
On the second floor of AMS Nest, room 2131. It is an exclusive space for Indigenous students to relax, connect, and study, equipped with games, a kitchenette, couches, a TV, and study area. Drop by for more information!
The CFA’s Indigenous initiatives team provides support to Indigenous students with disabilities and health conditions. Students seeking information on registration and assistance can reach out by emailing Indigenous.accessibility@ubc.ca, seeking guidance from their academic advisor, or visiting the First Nations House of Learning advisors during their Thursday office hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- The FNHL serves as a vital hub for Indigenous students at UBC. It offers a range of services, including Indigenous graduation ceremonies, wellness events, tutoring, counselling, academic advising, and financial guidance. It’s open to all self-identifying Indigenous students on campus.
- Join weekly Longhouse lunches to connect with fellow Indigenous students. Check your email for schedule updates each term.
- The Talking Stick is the FNHL’s student weekly newsletter, which provides news, announcements, and event information to the Indigenous community.
- šxʷta:təχʷəm Student Space offers Indigenous students a ‘home away from home’ located at Longhouse, where they can build connections and access a variety of resources.
If you are interested in having an experience abroad during your time at UBC, consider applying for Go Global. Go Global offers a variety of opportunities, including exchange programs, summer abroad, research abroad, global seminars, and international conferences. You can also find various opportunities for Indigenous students at UBC on the Indigenous Global Connections webpage.
The Indigenous Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program (IURMP) is an opportunity for Indigenous undergraduate students interested in academic research in any field to be paired with a faculty member on campus.
Located at the First Nations Longhouse, the Indigenous Student’s Collegium provides Indigenous students with a convenient place to connect with the community and access peer support and other services.
The Indigenous Centre, located on the second floor of the University Centre building (UNC 210), provides a sense of belonging and community to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. This home away from home is committed to enriching the quality of the student experience for Indigenous students by promoting access, providing capacity building opportunities, and celebrating success.
The Indigenous Centre has a team of Indigenous peer mentors and tutors. The tutors hold office hours and workshops in the Centre throughout the academic year.
The Indigenous Centre is open:
Monday to Thursday | 8:30 am – 7 pm
Friday | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
If you are working on an Indigenous topic, be sure to visit Xwi7xwa (pronounced whei-wha) Library, located adjacent to the Longhouse. This UBC library branch specializes in Indigenous collections and research and the librarians on staff can help you locate materials you might not otherwise find. They can help you find resources for your papers, locate Indigenous novels, films, music, or children’s books, and more!