New Dawson Creek hospital to feature Indigenous languages on signage

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Northern Health says it’s taking steps to make the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital inclusive for Indigenous patients.

The health authority has issued a press release outlining ways the under-construction facility will integrate Indigenous languages.

According to the release, some signage in the facility — including department entrance signs and signs for “key destinations, rooms and amenities” — will include the Cree and Dane-z̲aa languages as well as English.

Indigenous languages will also be integrated into digital navigation kiosks throughout the hospital, which Northern Health says will offer “an inclusive and accessible experience without the limitations of physical signage.”

Additionally, a dedicated “welcome wall” will be located in the main hall of the hospital, showcasing a variety of local Indigenous languages as well as global languages spoken in the region.

The decision to include the two languages reportedly came after consultations with Treaty 8 First Nations regarding how the hospital can reflect and honour the cultures of the Indigenous peoples whose traditional land it’s being built on.

“Our goal is to create a welcoming and respectful environment for Indigenous patients, families, visitors and staff,” the release reads. “We also want to ensure that the signage system remains inclusive and respectful of cultural diversity, while still fulfilling its core purpose: to guide and orient all users clearly, safely and effectively.”

As of the latest construction update for the facility in August, the exterior of the building is on track to be complete this fall, and the hospital is still on track to be open by the spring of 2027.

To read more about the project, click here.