By Canadian Press

Indigenous leader says Vancouver Island hospital project turns fears to healing

Apr 1, 2021 | 3:19 PM

NORTH COWICHAN, B.C. — A British Columbia Indigenous leader says a planned 201-bed hospital replacement project will become a place of healing for his people after decades of fear of the current hospital.

Cowichan Tribes Coun. Albie Charlie says when the new $887-million project replaces the current Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, it will help erase long-held mistrust by Indigenous people in the area. 

He says Cowichan Tribes members want to rebuild that trust after feeling they had to enter the current hospital through the back door.

Earlier this year, Cowichan Tribes leaders said racist comments were directed at tribal members by some members of the non-Indigenous community after a COVID-19 outbreak was declared on the reserve. 

Health Minister Adrian Dix told a news conference that racism in health care exists, citing a report last year that found widespread systemic racism towards Indigenous Peoples in B.C.’s health-care system. 

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: December 12, 2024

14h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: North Shore BIA working hard to develop a 'happening place'

20h ago

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Moons

Dec 10, 2024

Dix says the new hospital will be three times larger than the current Cowichan District Hospital in nearby Duncan and will be complete in 2026.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2021.

The Canadian Press