Cultural safety

Definition

Cultural safety is an approach developed to deal with the health inequalities experienced by Indigenous peoples. It’s a continuous process according to which health professionals must constantly review their knowledge, attitudes, conduct and processes to respond to the needs of Indigenous populations.

It takes Indigenous cultural, language and historical realities into account in organizing care and services and in all health care professionals’ interactions with Indigenous communities. It seeks to build an environment where Indigenous peoples are respected and where health services are offered in an equitable and safe manner, without discrimination.

Portrait of the communities

Kanehsatà:ke (Kanesatake)

The CISSS des Laurentides is located on the ancestral territory of the Kanesatake community, within the Deux-Montagnes-Mirabel-Sud local service network (RLS).  This community has the Kanesatake Health Center and the Riverside Elder’s Home.  When care or services are not available locally, Kanesatake citizens use services offered outside the community, such as the Emergency at Hôpital de Saint-Eustache and long-term care facilities (CHSLD).

 

Languages spoken: Kanien'kehá:ka (mohawk), English

Population : 3,042 residents

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (Kitigan Zibi)

The members of the Indigenous community of Kitigan Zibi mainly use the services of the Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre and the CISSS de l'Outaouais.  They also use the Emergency and Obstetrics departements at the Hôpital de Mont-Laurier.

 

Languages spoken: Anishnabemowin (Algonquian), English

Population : 4,037 residents

Algonquins of Barriere Lake (Rapid Lake)

The members of the Indigenous community of Rapid Lake occasionally use the services of the Hôpital de Mont-Laurier.

 

Languages spoken: Anishnabemowin (Algonquian), English

Population : 791 residents

Comments and suggestions

The CISSS des Laurentides is actively working to achieve culturally safe care environments. Do you have ideas and suggestions to help us reach this goal?

Please send your suggestions regarding cultural safety by completing the following form.

Contact us

Carine Lavigueur
Cultural Safety Liaison Officer
Direction des programmes Santé mentale, dépendance et services psychosociaux généraux adultes (Adult Mental Health, Addiction and Psychosocial Services Program)
carine.lavigueur.cissslau@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

Louis Rousseau
Director
Direction des programmes Santé mentale, dépendance et services psychosociaux généraux adulte (Adult Mental Health, Addiction and Psychosocial Services Program)
louis_Rousseau@ssss.gouv.qc.ca