On March 4, 2026, the BC Hospice Palliative Care Association recently had the privilege of being invited to host a virtual information session for the Band Social Development Workers (BSDWs) from First Nations communities across British Columbia. This session focused on understanding hospice and palliative care and supporting Elders, families, and communities during serious illness and end-of-life.

The session was organized in collaboration with partners at Indigenous Services Canada, whose team supports BSDWs delivering community programs across the province. The conversation was led by representatives from the BC Hospice Palliative Care Association and included contributions from Sarah Cobb, Executive Director of the Vancouver Hospice Society, who shared additional community-based perspectives and insights from the hospice sector. Participants joined from communities throughout Vancouver Island, the Interior, Northern BC, Fraser, and coastal regions, bringing together social development staff, health directors, wellness coordinators, and other community support workers.

Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care in Community Contexts

During the session, BCHPCA shared an overview of hospice and palliative care in British Columbia, including:

• What hospice and palliative care are, and how they support individuals living with serious illness
  
  

• Where services are typically provided, including home-based care, hospitals, long-term care, and hospice residences
  
  

• How care is coordinated through provincial health authorities and community hospice societies
  
  

• Resources available for patients, families, caregivers, and community providers
  
  

The conversation also highlighted how hospice and palliative care services connect with existing First Nations health programs and supports, including work led by the First Nations Health Authority, which partners with communities to provide culturally grounded health and wellness services.

The Important Role of Band Social Development Workers

One of the key themes that emerged from the discussion was the central role BSDWs often play in their communities. Families frequently turn to BSDWs when they are navigating complex and emotional situations such as serious illness, caregiving, or the loss of a loved one.

Participants shared how BSDWs may help families understand available services, connect with health authorities, access social supports, or find grief and bereavement resources. These connections can be especially important in rural and remote communities where navigating health systems can be challenging.

Challenges Highlighted:
Participants also discussed ongoing challenges related to understanding the role of hospice palliative care and how hospice services integrate within First Nations community care systems. There was a clear and urgent need identified for stronger clinical supports in community settings, as well as improved coordination and integration between hospice providers, health authorities, and community services.

A significant concern raised by several participants was the daily per diem fee required for individuals to stay in a hospice residence during end of life. The cost, currently $49.57 per day, was described as a substantial barrier for some Elders and families. Participants noted that having to navigate financial considerations during an already difficult time can add stress and inequity.

The Association continues to advocate on this issue, including raising awareness of financial hardship processes that is available. It was also acknowledged that many hospice societies work to ensure that individuals who are unable to pay are still able to access compassionate end of life care at all times.

Strengthening Connections Across the System

Another important part of the conversation focused on strengthening coordination between community services, First Nations health programs, provincial health authorities, and hospice organizations.

Hospice and palliative care often involves many different parts of the health and social care system working together. By sharing information, building relationships, and creating clearer referral pathways, organizations and communities can help ensure individuals and families receive compassionate and coordinated care throughout their end-of-life journey.

Working Together to Support Elders and Families

The session reinforced the importance of working collaboratively across organizations and communities. When hospice programs, health authorities, First Nations health services, and community workers share knowledge and support one another, it becomes easier to respond to the needs of individuals and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments.

BCHPCA is grateful for the opportunity to learn from the perspectives shared by BSDWs and to better understand the realities communities are navigating across the province. Continuing these conversations and strengthening partnerships is an important step toward improving access to compassionate, culturally respectful hospice and palliative care for all people in British Columbia.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Band Social Development Worker community and our partners for the opportunity to connect and learn together. We look forward to continuing this dialogue in meaningful and action oriented ways.

We also encourage hospice societies, community organizations, and health system partners to reflect on the barriers that First Nations communities and indigenous citizens continue to face in accessing care. There is an important opportunity to work together to better respect community priorities, reduce systemic barriers, and support individuals and families to remain connected to their communities throughout serious illness and end of life.

BCHPCA remains committed to advancing this work through its advocacy, partnerships, and initiatives across the province.