On April 11, Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) Community Nursing, in partnership with Saik’uz Health Centre, coordinated a group visit to the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC) to support Saik’uz women in accessing breast cancer screening through mammography. This pilot initiative was developed to address longstanding barriers that limit access to routine cancer screening for First Nations in communities.
“Early detection is critical to long term prevention,” says Matthew Summerskill, Executive Director of Community Nursing. “Supporting timely screening not only improves outcomes, but also provides reassurance and peace of mind when results are clear.”
Stephanie Sutton, a Registered Nurse based in Saik’uz, spoke to the broader impacts of cancer screening and the intent behind the initiative.
“For many Indigenous people, cancer screening can carry fear or stigma, often shaped by past healthcare experiences,” Sutton explains. “Our hope is to change that by creating positive experiences, building trust, learning together, and helping women feel more comfortable talking about their health.”
Creating a supportive, low‑stress environment was central to the pilot, particularly for women who may feel overwhelmed by hospital settings or medical procedures. While waiting for appointments, participants took part in crafts, games, and prize draws. Women spent time sewing personal medicine bags decorated with buttons, beads, and fringe – turning wait time into an opportunity for connection, creativity, and cultural expression. The group also engaged in an open discussion about potential names for the initiative, reinforcing a community‑driven and culturally grounded approach to care.
Reflecting on the impact of the day, Summerskill adds, “This pilot has shown us the value of approaching cancer screening differently if we want to improve participation rates in real ways, and has sparked strong interest in expanding this work in our other communities.”
Building on this momentum, CSFS Community Nursing is exploring future opportunities to improve access to lung, blood, cervical, and other cancer screening services across CSFS Member Nations.
To learn more about the Community Nursing Program, visit: https://www.csfs.org/services/community-nursing