Lower Mainland Clinic Owner Champions First Nations Healthcare and Youth Resilience Through ‘Love My Life’ Initiative
We are honoured to have Dr. Eppinga join us to celebrate Indigenous History Month as the featured speaker in our Author of the Month series.
When I was in medical school, discovering mental health coping techniques (or lack of) are learned as a child, and like an arrow we can point them in the right direction. I lost a family member to suicide and it’s my belief that suicide is 100% preventable if we focus on mental wellness and building a strong and healthy foundation for our youth.
Dr. Peter Eppinga
Dr. Peter Eppinga is a distinguished figure in the medical field and the proud owner of Gwaii Medical, two thriving clinics in the Lower Mainland. His heart and heritage lie in Old Masset, Haida Gwaii. Dr. Eppinga’s journey in medicine is profoundly shaped by his experiences and dedication to confronting significant social issues. He has been a staunch advocate against racism within Canada’s healthcare system, striving to ensure equitable and timely access to medical care for all Canadians, particularly First Nations communities. His commitment to bringing first-class medical care to these communities highlights his deep-rooted passion and service oriented approach.
One of the most personal and impactful areas of Dr. Eppinga’s advocacy is suicide prevention, especially among Indigenous youth. His initial encounter with the devastating effects of suicide came when a young basketball player from his community tragically ended his life, an event that left a lasting impression on a teenage Peter. The personal nature of this issue intensified when Dr. Eppinga lost his own cousin to suicide, further fuelling his commitment to this cause.
Dr. Eppinga is dedicated to promoting suicide prevention through education and awareness. He founded the initiative “Love My Life” with the aim of equipping young people, particularly Indigenous youth, with the skills and confidence needed to overcome life’s challenges. Through his children’s book, titled I Love My Life, Dr. Eppinga seeks to inspire and empower the next generation, fostering imagination and instilling life skills that are crucial in the fight against suicide.
What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine? Do you have any advice for youth interested in pursuing this challenging field?
I had a great experience with a doctor at the age of five, and ever since then I told my mother and father I wanted to be a doctor, I have always been fascinated by human body and it’s ability to heal and adapt.
If you’re going to go for it, do it with all your might! Work hard in school, never give up, and it will pay off. You must love what you do as well—it can be very rewarding!
Your book I Love My Life reinforces positive values, including resilience. How did you learn to be resilient growing up?
I was taught to never give up no matter the circumstance. As a child I put that frame of mind to use with the games I enjoyed: soccer and chess. My mom is a residential school survivor and my dad is Dutch. I faced much adversity, from generational trauma to a language (reading) barrier with my father. Through all of that they were always encouraging and I believed them and worked hard for myself. For that I will always be grateful!
What would you recommend for readers who struggle with developing this characteristic?
Don’t be scared to be vulnerable, know that brighter days are ahead of you, and every situation you are in is temporary and can always get better! Ask for help when you need it, and remember that you are building strength with each day.
As a medical professional and an advocate, what do you see as the most significant barriers to achieving better health outcomes for First Nations communities, and how are you addressing these challenges through your practice and advocacy work?
The barriers First Nations have is access to family doctors, racism, and lack of resources on remote reserves. I plan to bring health care to all First Nation communities by telehealth and helicopters, and bringing pharmacies to rural areas.
When did you first become interested in creating a children’s book?
When I was in medical school, discovering mental health coping techniques (or lack of) are learned as a child, and like an arrow we can point them in the right direction. I lost a family member to suicide and it’s my belief that suicide is 100% preventable if we focus on mental wellness and building a strong and healthy foundation for our youth. I wanted to find a way to get this conversation started with kids at a young age, and the idea for a book was born!
What is something you learned in the process of creating I Love My Life with the team at Tellwell?
The love Tellwell has for human life and First Nations people. Everyone from the team has been very supportive and genuine with the love and support for the book.
Looking to the future, what are your goals for Gwaii Medical and your broader advocacy efforts? How do you envision your role in advancing healthcare and well-being for Indigenous communities and beyond?
As a board director for the First Nation Health Authority, I hope to advocate for the tools, money, and resources to make effective change for all First Nation communities. Helicopters Without Borders will be a key stakeholder. I hope to build state-of-the-art medical facilities on First Nations lands, and eventually get my PHd or further education in health care . . . Harvard Medical School is the goal!
For more visit: http://lovemylife.ca/
