On behalf of: Indigenous Health
Words Matter: The Importance of Language in Advancing Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility and Anti-Racism
Language shapes how we understand the world, how we relate to one another, and how we make meaning of our experiences. In healthcare, the words we choose can either contribute to safer, more respectful environments or unintentionally reinforce harmful assumptions, stereotypes, and inequities.
As Island Health continues its commitment to advancing Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility (ICSH) and addressing Indigenous-specific racism, it is important that we are thoughtful and intentional about the language we use. Language is not simply about using the "right" words, it is about understanding the history, context, and impacts behind those words.
Why Language Matters
For many First Nations, Inuit and Métis, language has been used as a tool of colonization, exclusion, and harm. Terms and narratives imposed by colonial systems have often erased Indigenous identities, experiences, rights, and ways of knowing. Today, language continues to influence how policies are developed, how care is delivered, and how people experience healthcare systems.
Using respectful, distinctions-based, and anti-racist language helps create conditions where Indigenous Peoples feel seen, valued, and respected. It also supports greater understanding among staff and contributes to healthier workplace cultures.
Language Evolves
The language used in Indigenous health, cultural safety, and anti-racism continues to evolve as our understanding deepens. Words that may have once been commonly used are now recognized as incomplete, outdated, or inconsistent with current evidence and best practices.
Being open to learning and adapting our language is part of cultural humility, the lifelong commitment to self-reflection, learning, and growth.
Terms We Encourage
Indigenous-Specific Racism
Indigenous-specific racism refers to the unique and distinct forms of racism experienced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples that stem from Canada's history and ongoing systems of colonization.
This term recognizes that Indigenous Peoples experience racism differently than other racialized groups and that specific actions are required to address these harms
Click here to read more
*Intranet Login Required