Island Health’s Aboriginal Employment Program nationally recognized for dedication to diversity

VANCOUVER ISLAND – For the third consecutive year, Island Health’s Aboriginal Employment Program has been named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc.*

This award recognizes employers from across Canada with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs. The competition surveys a broad range of initiatives, including programs specific to Aboriginal people.

“Government strongly believes in promoting the diversity of the employees, and a strength that Island Health holds is in the support and commitment of their Aboriginal employment program,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “Through these efforts, we are building an inclusive, welcoming health system that is patient-centered and culturally respectful.”

“The work being done by the Aboriginal Employment Program is an inspiration to all of us at Island Health,” said Dr. Brendan Carr, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Through collaboration, learning and listening, the program supports people to find careers that promote health and wellness perspectives of Aboriginal Peoples.”

Steve Sxwithul’txw, Island Health’s Aboriginal Employment Program advisor, says the team’s momentum grows each year. “In 2014, we reached an incredible milestone as we supported our 500th new hire who self-identified as being of First Nations, Métis or Inuit descent,” said Sxwithul’txw. “With each new hire, we strengthen our commitment to healthy families and culturally safe environments where Indigenous Peoples feel respected and welcomed.”

In accepting this award, Sxwithul’txw thanked Island Health’s leadership for their ongoing support and acknowledged the invaluable participation from community partners, whose feedback inspires them to grow and reach out in new ways each year.

Program highlights include:

• Regular visits to the 50 First Nations communities within the Island Health region by Island Health Aboriginal Employment Advisors.
• A full-time Aboriginal Employment Job Coach who provided career coaching and support with resume and cover letter writing to 750 people this past year. Career coaching is available before, during and after the hiring process to support people in reaching their career goals at every stage.
• Sustaining a robust Aboriginal recruitment and retention strategy to promote the broad spectrum of careers in healthcare.
• Establishing an Aboriginal recruitment and retention advisory committee with staff and community partners to advise on issues affecting Aboriginal job-seekers, applicants and employees.
• Organizing yearly Aboriginal Week celebrations across Island Health to celebrate Aboriginal employees and the contributions they make towards better health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.
• Co-hosting Island Health’s first Aboriginal Health Careers Forum in partnership with First Nations Health Authority to introduce Aboriginal community leaders to the wide variety of health careers.
• Partnering with the First Nations Health Authority to create twelve, $1,000 education scholarships at 6 island/B.C. post secondary schools for Aboriginal students pursuing careers in healthcare.

Visit Island Health’s Aboriginal Recruitment program and these links for additional information on Island Health’s nomination and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2015.

Photo caption: Members of Island Health’s Aboriginal Employment Program with Keynote Speaker at Island Health’s Pathways to Careers in Healthcare Aboriginal Employment Forum (left to right): Steve Sxwithul’txw, Program Coordinator/South Island Employment Advisor; Sheila White (Yaatqumaat), Central Island Employment Advisor; Keynote Speaker Inez Jasper, RN, Aboriginal musician; Alegha Van Hanuse, Career Coach, Program Assistant; Michelle Morfitt, North Island Employment Advisor and Rod O’Connell, Strategist, Talent Acquisition and Retention.

Download and share a hi-res version of this photo from Flickr.

* Mediacorp Canada Inc. is Canada’s largest publisher of quality employment periodicals. It specializes in creating useful directories and guides that let job-hunters find outstanding employers and excellent opportunities in their field.

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South Island Media Inquiries
Suzanne Germain
Communications Director
250-370-8294
Email: Suzanne.Germain@viha.ca

Central and North Island Media Inquiries
Val Wilson
Regional Communications Manager
Phone: 250.739.6303
Email: valerie.wilson@viha.ca