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.
