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Centre for Indigenous Cardiovascular Health

Centre for Indigenous Cardiovascular Health

The Centre for Indigenous Cardiovascular Health is committed to transforming cardiovascular care for Indigenous Peoples across British Columbia. Rooted in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and the In Plain Sight report, the Centre advocates for culturally safe, community-led models of care that address longstanding inequities in heart health. These disparities, shaped by intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, and reduced access to care, require bold, Indigenous-led collaborative action.

In partnership with Indigenous communities throughout the province, the Centre strives to co-develop care pathways that are grounded in cultural safety, self-determination, and a two-eyed seeing approach that weaves together Indigenous and western knowledge systems. Its goal is to improve access to timely, state-of-the-art cardiovascular diagnostics, specialist consultations, and life-saving interventions while supporting Nation-led models of wellness and healing. The Centre also aims to ensure patients have access to long-term, culturally appropriate follow-up, to support long term outcomes following a cardiovascular event. All research and evaluation activities at the Centre are community-driven and guided by the principles of OCAP® which ensure that communities maintain ownership, control, access, and possession of their data and health priorities.

Transforming Indigenous heart health through Indigenous-led care, cultural safety, and community partnership.

“Our mission is to honour and uphold the sovereignty, knowledge, and self-determined health priorities of Indigenous Peoples across British Columbia. We are committed to addressing the deep-rooted inequities in cardiovascular health that have resulted from the ongoing impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, and limited access to culturally safe care. Together, we are building a future where Indigenous Peoples can access cardiovascular care that is not only effective, but also respectful, empowering, and reflective of their identities, cultures, and strengths.”

Our Vision

Guided by the principles of truth, reconciliation, and accountability, we work in partnership with Indigenous Nations to co-create new models of cardiovascular care that are culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and clinically excellent. Our approach is rooted in two-eyed seeing, integrating Indigenous ways of knowing with western medical knowledge to foster heart health and holistic wellness.

We aim to create pathways that improve access to timely diagnostics, specialist care, and life-saving interventions, while also supporting community-led, Nation-specific models of cardiovascular wellness. Following a cardiovascular event, which can be life-altering, we also aim to ensure patients have access to long-term, culturally appropriate follow-up, to ensure patients have lasting improvements in their cardiovascular health and wellness. All of our work—including clinical programs, partnerships, and research—is guided by Indigenous governance and the principles of OCAP®, ensuring that communities maintain ownership, control, access, and possession of their data and health priorities.

Together, we are building a future where Indigenous Peoples can access cardiovascular care that is not only effective, but also respectful, empowering, and reflective of their identities, cultures, and strengths.

Dr. Miles Marchand

Dr. Miles Marchand is the Director of the Centre for Indigenous Cardiovascular Health and Canada’s first and only Frist Nations Cardiologist. He was born and raised in Kamloops, British Columbia and is a member of the Okanagan Indian Band of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. His journey into medicine was inspired by his grandfather, Len Marchand Sr., a trailblazer who became the first Status Indian Member of Parliament in Canada and dedicated his life to advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

In his current role, Dr. Marchand leads initiatives aimed at transforming heart health outcomes for Indigenous communities across British Columbia. His work emphasizes culturally safe care, community partnerships, and the integration of Indigenous and Western medical knowledge through a two-eyed seeing approach. He is also an active researcher, contributing to national discussions on optimizing Indigenous cardiovascular health and adapting cardiac rehabilitation programs to be culturally responsive.

Dr. Marchand completed his undergraduate medical degree and residencies in internal medicine and cardiology at the University of British Columbia. During his time as Chief Resident at Royal Columbian Hospital, he developed an anti-racism and Indigenous health curriculum to enhance cultural humility among residents. Following the completion of his cardiology residency, he pursued an advanced fellowship in Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention with a special focus on Indigenous cardiovascular health. He also completed a research fellowship in First Nations, Inuit and Metis Communities Experiencing Heart Function Inequities, funded by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, Pfizer and the CHF Alliance. He has also completed graduate studies at the University of British Columbia in Indigenous Public Health. Dr. Marchand has worked with Indigenous communities across the country, in urban, rural and remote settings, from the west coast of British Columbia to the northeast coast in Iqaluit.

In 2023, Dr. Marchand was the recipient of the Canadian Medical Association Award for Young Leaders Award in recognition of his efforts to highlight and address disparities in cardiovascular care and outcomes in Indigenous Canadians.