Culturally Safe Engagement: What Matters to Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) Patient Partners Companion Guide

This guide to creating culturally safe engagements was created from the voices of Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) patient partners. We hosted “What Matters to You in Indigenous Culturally Safe Patient Engagements?”, where Indigenous patient partners shared what makes them feel comfortable and respected during engagements. For an at-a-glance version, see the pamphlet. 

From these meaningful discussions, eight key principles emerged along with a series of recommended actions to help and encourage health care partners to provide culturally safe patient engagement opportunities. The eight principles of culturally safe engagement are:  

In August 2024, we updated the guide to better align with current needs for culturally safe care. We’ve clarified its purpose to ensure it reflects the perspectives of Indigenous patient partners on meaningful engagement in health system improvements. The companion pamphlet has also been incorporated into this guide for easier access, and it’s available as a separate download.