On behalf of: Indigenous Health and Rural & Remote Operations
Join the University of British Columbia’s virtual event, We are the Change We Seek: Leading Indigenous Health in BC, on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, from 12:00 – 3:00 PM (PT). This is one of many Indigenous Speakers Series events that feature elders, leaders, scholars, and people to speak about our individual and shared truths and to anchor compassion in reconciling for the future. This impactful event will feature Indigenous leaders who are driving transformative change in health systems across British Columbia. Among the distinguished speakers is Dawn Thomas, Vice President — Indigenous Health and Rural & Remote Operations.
Written by Derek K Thompson – Čaabať Bookwilla | Suhiltun, Director, Indigenous Engagement, UBC
Opening the door to Indigenous peoples’ participation in leading health systems transformation is an expression of the commitment to truth and reconciliation. Health systems that develop and implement policy based on the active participation of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples can be expected to ensure an enduring legacy of transformative change. Guided by this work, it is with great anticipation and promise that health systems begin to fundamentally shift the paradigms that perpetuate racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples toward standards that uphold Truth and Reconciliation for all Canadians.
Stepping into and leading this important work are the dynamic and experienced individuals appointed to their respective roles as Vice Presidents. They are integral members of the senior executive teams in Interior Health, Fraser Health, Island Health, and the Provincial Health Services Authority. We are honoured and excited to welcome Joe Gallagher, Leslie Varley, Amanda Laboucane, and Dawn Thomas to the Indigenous Speakers Series.
This work addresses policy related to racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples in British Columbia and defines an approach that emphasizes the importance of Cultural Safety and Humility. The work ahead will guide how health systems can adapt to better respond to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Indigenous peoples are vital to British Columbia, and how BC relates to them defines its sense of justice, purpose, and redress. There is urgency at all levels within health systems to open the door to Indigenous participation in advancing reconciliation through Cultural Safety and Humility.
The creation of senior executive roles within regional and provincial health authorities offers the potential for transformative change within health systems in both the short and long term. Comprehensive Indigenous leadership is essential for policy changes that address racism and discrimination and enhance Cultural Safety and Humility as legitimate standards. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples can be expected to welcome changes that clearly define Cultural Safety and foster confidence in the practice of Humility. This approach must extend beyond transformative change within health systems to have a far-reaching impact on all Canadians and other systems.
If you are unable to attend, a recording of the session will be available to watch on the UBC events website at a later date.