Cultural safety isn’t something a counsellor can simply declare. It’s decided by the person receiving care. You are safe when you feel respected, believed and free to be yourself.

Why it matters

Many First Nations and Inuit people have met racism in health care, and social services have been part of family separation. Fear of being judged, or of having children taken, can stop people from reaching out. Those are reasonable concerns.

What it looks like

You aren’t asked to teach your counsellor about your culture.
Your problems are understood in the context of history and systems.
Your beliefs and healing practices are respected.
Power is shared, and you help make the plan.
Your counsellor admits what they don’t know.

Questions you can ask a counsellor

What do you know about the history of First Nations and Inuit people?
How do you work with Elders or traditional healing?
What must you report, and when?
What do I do if you say something that doesn’t sit right?

If it isn’t working

You have the right to raise it, or leave. A good counsellor will take it seriously.

Read about how Mukesh works.