On the campus of the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, a new textbook lines tables and bookshelves in student centres.

Sarah De Leeuw along with a team of editors have created a new textbook called Introduction to Determinants of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples’ Health in Canada (Canadian Scholars’ Press, 2022). The aim of this textbook is to focus on Indigenous voices and stories to to address coloniality in health care and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples’ health and well-being.

The editors who’ve created this textbook are Margo Greenwood, a Cree scholar and Professor of Education and First Nations Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia. Sarah de Leeuw, an award-winning creative writer and Canada Research Chair in Humanities and Health Inequities with the University of Northern British Columbia’s Northern Medical Program in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. Roberta Stout, a Senior Policy Advisor in the Health Sector at the Assembly of First Nations and a member of Kehewin Cree Nation. Roseann Larstone, Regional Director, Indigenous Health, at the Northern Health Authority in British Columbia and a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation. And Julie Sutherland, a Research Associate with the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health and an award-winning lecturer.

These 5 editors' experiences collided to create an informative textbook to dismantle anti-Indigenous racism in the Canadian healthcare system. "The beauty of the textbook is that it is not only for undergrad students," Sarah de Leeuw said in an interview with CICK News. "It is meant for practitioners, doctors, MOAs (Medical Office Administrators) and would even be a great read for a book club. There are prompts and questions at the end of each chapter to reflect on the stories shared."

"Rural Indigenous communities don't often see themselves reflected in texts and studies, so we made sure to speak to professionals in Smithers, Terrace, Haida Gwaii, and connect with rural Indigenous communities", de Leeuw added.

She also said that the cover is so beautiful that it would look great on any coffee table.

Listen to Pam Haasen's interview with Sarah de Leeuw in the link below.