What an Indigenous Patient Navigator Does
An Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) is a dedicated advocate, cultural liaison, and personal guide for Indigenous patients moving through cancer care and clinical trials. Their role goes well beyond logistics. An IPN:
- Provides cultural support and helps patients feel safe within an unfamiliar medical system
- Helps patients understand complex medical information in plain, accessible language
- Coordinates practical logistics like travel, accommodation, and appointments
- Connects patients with financial resources and community supports
- Advocates to ensure a patient's voice and choices are respected by the clinical trial team
- Acts as a continuous point of contact — someone who follows a patient's journey from first referral through to treatment and beyond, rather than handing them off between departments
For many patients, having a single trusted person who understands both the medical system and their cultural context makes the difference between disengaging from care and staying the course.
Where to Find an Indigenous Patient Navigator
Indigenous Patient Navigators are available through provincial cancer programs. These pages list current navigators and how to connect with one:
- Ontario — Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario): Indigenous Navigators
- British Columbia — BC Cancer: Indigenous Patient Navigators
- Manitoba — CancerCare Manitoba: Cancer Navigation Services
We’re continuing to build this list as we confirm resources in other provinces and territories. If your region isn’t listed yet, ask your oncologist or care team about Indigenous navigation support near you.