Island Health is being recognized at the provincial level for its innovative work connecting traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern pharmacy practice.

The health authority’s Pharmacy Learning About Indigenous Traditional (PLANT) Medicines project has earned the Health Employers Association of BC Award of Merit in Leading Practices: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

"This recognition from HEABC affirms our commitment to reconciliation and culturally safe care," said Dr. Sean Spina, Métis pharmacist and regional manager of Clinical Pharmacy Services at Island Health.

"What makes this project truly special is how three distinct areas, Island Health Pharmacy Services, an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and Island Health Research came together to create something meaningful. We've established a framework that has the potential to affect how care is delivered not just on Vancouver Island, but across the entire country."

The project was designed to bridge a long-standing gap in pharmacy education - the lack of formal training around Indigenous traditional medicines.

The initiative brings together Indigenous knowledge, pharmacy education, and health research in a unique collaboration aimed at advancing culturally safe care.

The project team developed educational workshops and reference materials focused on four commonly used plant medicines found on Vancouver Island: stinging nettle, dandelion, seaweed, and plantain.

The PLANT Medicines initiative supports recommendations from the 2020 In Plain Sight Report, which identified the lack of recognition for cultural practices - including traditional medicines - as a barrier to equitable care.

For details, visit Island Health.