The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has released a powerful new research report titled A Journey Towards Accessibility: Perspectives from First Nations in B.C., highlighting what accessibility truly means for Indigenous communities.
Developed in partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation and DIALOG, the four-year community-based study involved 89 participants across British Columbia, including Elders, Knowledge Keepers, healthcare workers, and individuals with lived experience of disability.
The report shifts the focus from infrastructure to inclusion. Participants described accessibility as more than ramps and doorways—it’s about dignity, belonging, compassion, and being able to live well in community. The findings emphasize that accessibility must reflect First Nations values, realities, and culturally safe practices.
Many stories in the study challenge mainstream policies and reveal systemic barriers. They also point toward community-led solutions that are rooted in identity and self-determination.
FNHA says the report offers a meaningful foundation to transform policies and services across sectors—from health care to housing—so they better serve Indigenous people.
This research marks a key step in a broader journey to build inclusive, culturally responsive systems. The FNHA invites all partners and communities to explore the findings and join in the conversation about creating a more accessible future for First Nations in B.C.
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