With a spirit rooted in compassion and courage, Elder Carol Peters — a proud member of the Chawathil First Nation — has spent more than two decades transforming health care for Indigenous clients, families and communities across the Fraser Salish region. Guided by a vision for meaningful change, she is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding service.
Photo: Elder Carol Peters, social worker, Indigenous Cultural Safety
Described as a matriarch, Elder Carol Peters found her calling in social work — a natural fit for someone devoted to supporting others.
Her vocation began with a deeply personal moment: meeting an Elder who was a patient in the hospital who shared feelings of loneliness. That encounter revealed the need for someone to listen to and advocate for Indigenous clients, inspiring Carol to dedicate her career to filling that gap.
Learn more about Elder Carol’s inspiring work:
In 2002, Carol began a transformative journey as Fraser Health’s first Indigenous Health liaison social worker — a role that would redefine care for Indigenous communities.
“I was a department of one,” she recalls. “I had to work really hard to bring the face of Indigenous Peoples to Fraser Health.” From that single role, Carol planted the seeds of a movement. Today, the Indigenous Health Team has grown to more than 150 staff working across the Fraser Salish region — a reflection of the foundation she built and the vision she carried forward.
Elder Carol’s work as a social worker, Indigenous Cultural Safety, spans hospitals, families and communities. Her goal: to make health care spaces less intimidating and more welcoming.
“My goal was to build connections between Indigenous health care providers, public health workers, acute care, mental health, patients and communities. I used to say I was a spider in the middle of a web, trying to weave everybody together,” she explains.
Driven to expand this much-needed service, Carol founded the Fraser Health Indigenous Health Liaison Program — one of the first of its kind in B.C. — creating a vital link between hospitals and Indigenous clients.
“Carol envisioned a liaison role that would bridge the gap between hospitals, clients and the broader community,” shares Amanda Laboucane, interim vice president, Indigenous Health and Cultural Safety.
The program connects Indigenous clients with Elders, cultural resources and care teams dedicated to culturally safe care.
Because of its impact on improving the experience of Indigenous clients, the program has grown significantly. Indigenous health liaisons are a key part of Fraser Health care teams today.
“As our team kept growing, the need for our support grew,” Carol reflects. “I feel like a mom as I am watching people move on and grow. Years ago, my prayer was to have someone come along to replace me one day, and now the incredible team I am surrounded with amazes me.”
The program has expanded to include 28 full-time positions, with nurses and social workers supporting more than 28,000 Indigenous clients.
“Carol was the only person here, and now that dream has grown. It shows the work we have been doing in demonstrating not only kindness and gentleness but care,” says Bluesage Woman - Corinne Stone, leader of the Indigenous cultural safety and humility team.
On top of growing a program from the ground up, Carol helped launch the first-ever partnership between the Indigenous Health Program and Food Services to provide Indigenous-inspired meals to clients.
She co-developed the Cłhi:ya:ỳəstəl’ (Working Together) cultural safety and anti-racism course, embedding Indigenous teachings and wellness practices into staff training across Fraser Health — a program that, to date, has been taken by nearly 32,000 staff.
Building on this commitment to education, Carol also helped shape broader cultural safety strategies that influence how physicians and care providers integrate culturally safe care.
“In partnership with Fraser Health, First Nations Health Authority and Métis Nation British Columbia, she helped shape the Indigenous Cultural Safety Education Strategy in 2024,” Amanda explains.
Carol has a gift for making cultural teachings accessible and making culturally safe care a reality. From explaining why the perfect territory acknowledgment doesn’t have to be so perfect, to inspiring leadership in others, her reach is broad, and her message is relatable.
She has mentored a new generation of Indigenous Health leaders, offering wisdom, guidance and unwavering support.
“She’s given people the tools and helped them learn how to take care of themselves to embrace our way of knowing and being,” shares Penny Trites, director of cultural safety and humility and recruitment and retention. “That’s helped us change how we walk in the world.”
Carol has worked tirelessly to build strong relationships with Elders, youth and knowledge keepers, ensuring Indigenous voices are central to Fraser Health’s anti-racism and cultural safety efforts.
Brian Muth, executive director, Indigenous Health, praises her contributions.
“Her work is phenomenal. Carol has given her life to support the health and wellness of the community.”
Through her vision and advocacy, Carol has laid the foundations for cultural safety and reconciliation to remain at the heart of care for generations to come.
Congratulations to Elder Carol Peters – recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award.