Aboriginal Patient Liaison Program

Aboriginal Patient Liaisons (APLs) are an important part of the health care team. Ten APLs are available across the north to assist Indigenous people and their families to access high quality, culturally safe health care services.

Indigenous Health supports this program by:

• providing training opportunities and mentoring; 

• supporting a community of practice; 

• developing communications materials; and

• collaborative planning, program development and evaluation.

How can I connect with an APL?

Speak with a health care provider for a referral to the Aboriginal Patient Liaison program or contact your local APL directly:

What can an APL assist me with?

• Arrange for translation services

• Help patients understand health care processes, procedures and terminology

• Help to ensure admission and discharge planning goes according to patient needs

• Advanced Health Care Planning

• Facilitate communication and cultural understanding between patient and care providers

• Connect patient to end of life support

• Coordinate spiritual / cultural advisors

• Support and comfort family and friends

• Referrals within Northern Health and to community agencies

• Help link patients to non-insured health benefits

• Transition to and within long-term care