From design and construction to soon-to-be operation, the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project has actively incorporated Indigenous knowledge at every stage. Thanks to input from an Ingenious Advisory Council (IAC), the project incorporates traditional healing spaces, Indigenous art and language, and culturally safe care practices. This hospital is more than a building—it is a symbol of respect, healing, and partnership, advancing more inclusive healthcare environments in Canada.

“Collaborating with Indigenous Peoples has always been a cornerstone for the new Cowichan District Hospital,” said Shana Roberts, Socio-Economic Lead, EllisDon. “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. We’re creating a facility here that is purpose-built to be respectful and meaningful of the Indigenous Peoples.”

The new hospital is being built on the unceded traditional territory of the Cowichan Tribes and the Quw'utsun people. Through the Nuts’a’maat Alliance and intentional collaboration with IAC, every phase of the project ensures culturally safe health care is incorporated and reflected into the hospital’s physical design.

Guided by the insights of Indigenous Peoples, the design includes:

• Opportunities for cultural burning practices and protocols.
• Larger rooms to support extended family presence.
• Birthing tub and design as part of the maternity ward.
• Indigenous gathering spaces and wayfinding.
• Aspects that relate to protocols relating to the loss of a family member.
• The inclusion of OCAP® Principles into contract development.

The Nuts'a'maat Alliance will continue to work with the Indigenous Nations as we move forward into operationalization including: policy and procedure development; complaint structures; health services navigation; and community-based programming.

Our work on this hospital stands as a testament to EllisDon’s unwavering commitment to honouring and addressing the unique needs of Indigenous peoples. The new hospital will not only deliver exceptional healthcare, but also foster healing, dignity, and trust—ensuring inclusive care that supports a healthier future for all.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the First Nations communities for their collaboration, their generosity in sharing cultural knowledge and practices, and their trust in guiding us to create a hospital that respects and embodies their values, traditions, and needs.