Work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis
Explore how the Partnership advances cancer care through reconciliation, accountability and collaborations with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners.
Reconciliation and cancer care
Improving access to culturally appropriate cancer care
In respect of the lands and Peoples
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and gather on the traditional and unceded territories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, who have cared for these lands since time immemorial.
As an organization with partners and staff across Turtle Island, we live, work and play on many diverse treaty lands and ancestral territories. Our office is located on the traditional territories of many First Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Huron-Wendat Nation—in the area now also known as Toronto. This land is on Treaty 13 territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and it continues to be home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Our work, in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, is guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. We are committed to working in a reconciliatory way and building respectful, reciprocal relationships from coast to coast to coast, supporting improved cancer outcomes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Learn more about the Partnership’s commitments.
Why reconciliation matters in cancer care
Cancer care in Canada does not yet serve everyone equally. First Nations, Inuit and Métis continue to face barriers to timely, culturally safe, and effective care — shaped by colonial systems, racism and jurisdictional gaps.
Since its inception, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer has been working alongside First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to transform cancer care. We have been building lasting, respectful relationships and changing the way we work by supporting culturally appropriate care, self-determined health solutions and First Nations-, Inuit- and Métis-governed data in cancer control. These partnerships support specific strategies that reflect cultural knowledge, self-determination and community leadership, ultimately improving outcomes and experiences across Canada.
What do we mean by…
Culturally appropriate care
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis need to feel safe, respected and understood when seeking health care. Culturally appropriate care follows their values, traditions and ways of healing, and is shaped by the people receiving care, not just the provider.
Self-determination
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis have the right to make their own decisions about health and wellness based on their priorities, knowledge systems and ways of governing.
Our commitment to transforming cancer care and addressing inequities is shaped by collective wisdom from diverse perspectives. We are honoured to share insights from First Nations, Inuit and Métis advisors, partners and individuals with lived experiences.
As CINA collaborates with CPAC to act on the priorities of the Strategy for the Indigenous health system, we recognize the unique contributions and knowledge of all contributors. A meaningful, strategic partnership enables teams to bring the best of their talent and strengths forward and it’s rewarding to see functional and creative solutions unfold. Together, we have leveraged open and effective communication channels between CINA and CPAC to align on expectations. The learning opportunities for all partners have been a welcome journey.
- Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association
The Partnership’s role in this journey
This work moves forward through relationships, reflection and shared commitment. Here’s how the Partnership is taking action within our organization, in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and supporting community-led change in motion.
Our commitment to reconciliation
Discover how reconciliation is embedded into our daily work through shared accountability and guidance from First Nations, Inuit and Métis Advisors.
Past projects
Learn about the relationships at the heart of this work—built over time through shared priorities, trust and ongoing collaboration.
The Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control
Explore the Strategy and the First Nations, Inuit and Métis-specific priorities guiding action and investment to improve cancer care, outcomes and experiences.
Current projects
See our current shared projects guided by trust, healing and the voices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners.