Print indigenous health pathfinder
Books for children and teens
E-books
Patients and the public of B.C. and Yukon can access these online books by calling 1.888.675.8001 x 7000 (toll-free) to get a username and password from the Library.
Websites
These websites have been reviewed and approved by the BC Cancer librarians. See the "Looking for More?" tab above to find more recommended websites.
Living My CultureFirst Nations, Inuit, Métis and people of other cultures share their stories about living with serious illness, end of life and grief. Includes videos and print materials.
Support programs
This is a list of support programs offered by community organizations and BC Cancer. You can find more support programs offered at each BC Cancer centre and in the community on the BC Cancer website.
BC Cancer Patient & Family CounsellingAvailable to anyone in B.C. who has a cancer diagnosis, as well as those supporting them. Counselling available for individuals, couples, and families, either in-person or over the phone. Services are solution-focused and are limited to addressing challenges related to cancer.
BC Cancer Indigenous Cancer Care NavigatorEach centre has an Indigenous Cancer Care Navigator who can discuss transportation options to and from appointments, review options for accommodation, explore financial resources, attend appointments at the centre with patient and family members, advocate in the health care setting, discuss spiritual and cultural care needs, provide counselling support, and assist with transitions in care and return to community. Phone your regional centre or fill out a self-referral form to access their services.
First Nations Virtual Doctor of the DayIf you do not have a doctor of your own, call 1-855-344-3800 (toll free) to book an appointment. Available seven days per week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hope for Wellness Help Line (Health Canada)The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
B.C. Health Authorities Indigenous Liaisons, Programs and Services
To assist Indigenous patients, each BC health authority has Indigenous patient liaisons, navigators or nurses and other programs and services available:
Community services locator
The Canadian Cancer Society community services locator is a directory that helps cancer patients, survivors, family and caregivers find the services they need.
Resources found in these Pathfinders have been chosen and evaluated by BC Cancer librarians with input from other BC Cancer staff members. Suggestions for additional resources for inclusion are welcome; however, the Library reserves the final right to decide which websites and resources will be included. See our Inclusion/removal policy.
Resources are reviewed on a regular basis, however, the Library cannot guarantee the function, accuracy, or currency of the websites and the information contained within them.
The BC Cancer library system consists of a central library at Vancouver Centre (VC), and branches in Abbotsford (AC), Kelowna (SAHCSI), Prince George (CN), Surrey (FVC), and Victoria (VIC). All centres have patient resource collections in our Cancer Information Centres (CIC), and all centres have a professional collection on site. Professional resources for CN are housed in the adjacent UHNBC Library.