Ontario Construction News staff writer
Cowichan Valley, B.C. โ From its initial design to soon-to-begin operations, the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project is setting a new standard for Indigenous collaboration in healthcare. The project has deeply integrated Indigenous knowledge and perspectives throughout every phase, guided by the Ingenious Advisory Council (IAC), ensuring the hospital reflects Indigenous values, traditions, and healing practices.
โThis project is about more than just a hospitalโitโs about rebuilding trust with a community where many people feel their concerns are minimized or dismissed,โ said Shana Roberts, Socio-Economic Lead at EllisDon, the company overseeing construction. โWeโre creating a facility that is purpose-built to be respectful and meaningful to Indigenous Peoples.โ
Located on the unceded traditional territory of the Cowichan Tribes and the Quw’utsun people, the hospital project is part of a broader effort to foster inclusive, culturally safe healthcare environments in Canada. The Nutsโaโmaat Alliance and the IAC have played key roles in shaping a facility designed to meet the unique needs of Indigenous patients and their families.
Design features informed by Indigenous input include:
- Dedicated spaces and protocols for cultural burning practices
- Larger rooms to accommodate extended family support
- A birthing tub and maternity ward design respectful of Indigenous birthing traditions
- Indigenous gathering areas and culturally informed wayfinding
- Considerations for protocols related to mourning and loss
- Integration of OCAPยฎ Principles (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) into contract development
The Nutsโaโmaat Alliance will continue collaborating with Indigenous Nations during the hospitalโs operational phase, contributing to policy development, complaint processes, health navigation services, and community programming.
EllisDon emphasized that this project reflects its strong commitment to honouring Indigenous voices and addressing their healthcare needs. The new Cowichan District Hospital will not only provide exceptional medical care but also serve as a beacon of healing, dignity, and partnershipโpromoting trust and cultural safety for future generations.
โWe extend our heartfelt gratitude to the First Nations communities for their collaboration, generosity in sharing cultural knowledge, and trust in guiding us to build a hospital that truly respects and embodies their values and traditions,โ the company said.
The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project stands as a meaningful step toward more inclusive and culturally responsive healthcare in Canada.