Krista Joseph is happy knowing that the positive changes made in our health care system directly impact First Nations people, and will do so for generations to come. In her role as Senior Advisor, Cultural Safety and Humility for the Vancouver Island Region, she is motivated every day by the fact that Indigenous people have the right to access quality care that is free of racism and discrimination.
Krista – x̣uux̣takʔuʔuukx̣, is a member of the Ditidaht First Nation with roots in Tla-o-qui-aht and is based on Vancouver Island. She is experienced in working with post-secondary institutions, mental health, as well as conducting community-based research and engagement. She is passionate about improving Indigenous health and is currently a PhD student in the Social Dimensions of Health program at the University of Victoria (UVic).
The opportunity to work closely with First Nations communities was the main reason Krista decided to join FNHA. She wanted to be part of an organization that aligned with her own values, and be involved with the work around cultural safety and humility and Indigenous-specific anti-racism. “The beautiful part of working in an organization like FNHA, is that I feel pride in the work that I do every day. I feel valued and supported and it gives me the strength to do this challenging work," says Krista.
As the regional point of contact for Cultural Safety and Humility on Vancouver Island, her daily tasks vary. She acts as an advisor both internally at FNHA, as well as externally with communities and partner organizations. She is always looking to create connections and partnerships, which includes sharing cultural safety and anti-racism resources. She also works closely with the regional Quality and Safety Analyst where together they work towards increasing awareness about FNHA's complaints pathway. Together they also engage in ongoing conversations about increasing cultural safety in the health care system. Most importantly, they use their lived experience as Indigenous women to support the health care system transformation.
“FNHA is seen as a leader in Indigenous Cultural Safety and so I have learned a lot from the leaders of our organization. Having the opportunity to learn from others and hear stories shared by community members has enhanced my knowledge of Indigenous Cultural Safety far beyond what can be learned through training sessions or academic learning," she says.
Krista is very happy to work in the Vancouver Island Region, “I am Nuu-chah-nulth and have worked in all of our Nuu-chah-nulth communities, so it has been great to have the opportunity to learn more about the Kwakwaka'wakw and Coast Salish Nations. I look forward to visiting more communities in these territories!"
