Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
From its initial design to soon-to-begin operations, the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project in British Columbia is setting a new standard for Indigenous collaboration in healthcare. The project has deeply integrated Indigenous knowledge and perspectives throughout every phase, guided by the Ingenious Advisory Council (IAC), ensuring the hospital reflects Indigenous values, traditions, and healing practices.
“This project is about more than just a hospital—it’s about rebuilding trust with a community where many people feel their concerns are minimized or dismissed,” said Shana Roberts, Socio-Economic Lead at EllisDon, the company overseeing construction. “We’re creating a facility that is purpose-built to be respectful and meaningful to Indigenous Peoples.”
Located on the unceded traditional territory of the Cowichan Tribes and the Quw’utsun people, the hospital project is part of a broader effort to foster inclusive, culturally safe healthcare environments in Canada. The Nuts’a’maat Alliance and the IAC have played key roles in shaping a facility designed to meet the unique needs of Indigenous patients and their families.
Design features informed by Indigenous input include:
- Dedicated spaces and protocols for cultural burning practices
- Larger rooms to accommodate extended family support
- A birthing tub and maternity ward design respectful of Indigenous birthing traditions
- Indigenous gathering areas and culturally informed wayfinding
- Considerations for protocols related to mourning and loss
- Integration of OCAP® Principles (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) into contract development
The Nuts’a’maat Alliance will continue collaborating with Indigenous Nations during the hospital’s operational phase, contributing to policy development, complaint processes, health navigation services, and community programming.
EllisDon emphasized that this project reflects its strong commitment to honouring Indigenous voices and addressing their healthcare needs. The new Cowichan District Hospital will not only provide exceptional medical care but also serve as a beacon of healing, dignity, and partnership—promoting trust and cultural safety for future generations.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the First Nations communities for their collaboration, generosity in sharing cultural knowledge, and trust in guiding us to build a hospital that truly respects and embodies their values and traditions,” the company said.d
