Across her life and career as a nurse, Penny Cooper, senior director, Cultural Safety & Transformation, Indigenous Health, experienced and witnessed Indigenous-specific racism and the lasting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual harm it causes. Today, she works collaboratively with teams across PHSA to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism through quality improvement, which supports transformational change across the organization.
Penny is one of this year's PHSA+ Award recipients in the category of Indigenous-specific Anti-Racism & Cultural Safety.
This award acknowledges those who actively contribute to creating an environment that prioritizes the well-being of Indigenous staff, patients, families, and communities by confronting systemic and interpersonal racism and promoting cultural safety. As a Coast Salish person from Katzie herself, she is a strong advocate for system-wide changes to address Indigenous-specific racism.
As a key member of the Thee Eat & Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination (ISDR) Response Committee, Penny reviews safety events where racism has impacted patient care. She guides teams in making meaningful, system-level changes and suggests improvements to ensure that care is experienced as culturally safe for Indigenous individuals.
"She has become a trusted thought partner and peer for the Quality, Patient Safety & Accreditation directors," says Andrea Walker, executive director, Quality, Patient Safety & Experience.
"Penny has transformed the way we approach Indigenous cultural safety within PHSA. Her insights and support have been crucial in helping our teams reflect and act on the need for meaningful change. Her advocacy ensures that our services are culturally safe for Indigenous Peoples, positively influencing health outcomes and fostering trust in our care," Andrea adds.
Penny does this with patience, compassion and a commitment to supporting her colleagues as they reflect, learn and evolve. She is motivated by Indigenous Health teams across PHSA, who are creating space for difficult and uncomfortable conversations, which are needed to create systemic change.
"I have been grateful for and inspired by the commitment of everyone who is part of the Thee Eat and ISRD Response Committee and review process. Throughout the development and implementation of the new process, they have been open to hearing and standing in the truth of the experience of Indigenous patients and families. This work is moving PHSA closer to providing care experiences that are experienced as culturally safe," says Penny.
The PHSA+ Awards are part of an internal recognition program that celebrates teams and individuals who bring our purpose, vision, values and Coast Salish teachings to life in the workplace. They go above and beyond to serve patients and families across B.C.
