INSIGHTS ON CULTURAL SAFETY IN PRACTICE

This week’s Teachings Tuesday comes to us from one of our cherished community members, Liz. Her words carry us to the Cowichan Estuary on the morning of the autumnal equinox, where land, water, and story meet. Liz reflects on the restoration of the estuary, the history held in this place, and the teachings that remind us of our deep connection with all beings. We are grateful to Liz for offering her voice, her reflections, and her heart. On the morning of International River

Each week when I sit down with George’s Teachings Tuesday, I find myself pausing to take in the depth of what he shares. His words always bring me back to the truths that live just beneath the surface of our daily lives—truths that are easy to overlook if we are not intentional about seeing them. Today, on Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, George reflects on the meaning of visibility. He reminds us that orange is more than a colour—it is a wa

Last week, I was honoured to spend the day in circle with my friends George and Jenn, facilitating a gathering for the BC College of Oral Health Professionals. Each time I join them, I am encouraged by the sincerity, curiosity, and courage people bring to the work of improving cultural safety in oral health care across BC. This organisation carries a great responsibility in shaping care, and I have been inspired by the way that responsibility is being taken up. Immediately up

George shared something with me a while back that I continue reflecting on. He talked about how canoe paddlers train by hanging buckets in the water to create drag, building their strength through their collective commitment to resistance. But when race time comes, the buckets are lifted, and the canoe moves forward with focus and commitment — carrying the strength that was built along the way. That image has stayed with me, reminding me of both the struggles that shape us an

This week’s teaching comes from Jared Qwustenuxun Williams of Quw’utsun, who has generously shared an important message about the ongoing struggle to restore Indigenous food systems and the challenges faced in the wake of a recent ALC decision. As allies, it is our responsibility not only to listen, but also to amplify and stand alongside these efforts. The work of restoring Indigenous agricultural practices is not only about honouring history—it’s about protecting food sover

Last week, our Mentors gathered for a very special evening—a chartered boat tour with Live Lake Love, held on the ancestral lands of the Ts’uubaa-asatx Nation. As the boat moved gently across the water, I found myself pausing to look around. The faces surrounding me were the very people who hold, guide, and support this work. It felt surreal—these are the folks who trust me, who share their wisdom generously, and who walk alongside us with such care. We shared food, laughter,

A few weeks ago, someone in one of our gatherings expressed that they found introductions to be uncomfortable — even a bit intrusive. I’ve been thinking about that ever since. It reminded me of a moment early in my journey with Culturally Committed, when I first began reaching out for guidance from Indigenous Peoples. I hosted a small virtual focus group, and I was thrilled (and terrified) to welcome a handful of people who had inspired me along the way. One of them was a res

Just two weeks ago, I found myself in a conversation about the Jay Treaty and the way it is so often misunderstood—or not known at all. The treaty was signed in 1794 between the United States and Britain, long before there was a “Canada” as we know it today. At its heart, it acknowledged that Indigenous Nations have always had the right to freely cross the U.S.–Canada border, because these Nations existed long before colonial boundaries were imposed. Not long after that con

Last week, someone in our community asked about the term “harm alarm” — and what to do when you sense culturally harmful words or behaviours unfolding in a meeting. It’s a powerful question. In truth, these moments probably happen more often than we realise, but they can pass unnoticed or unaddressed. One of our community members reflected with me: “It’s taken me two years of sitting in circle with the Mentors, listening, and learning, for me to begin to have the awareness an

This week’s Teachings Tuesday is offered by our Director of Organizational Relationships and Special Projects, Katy Carson, a proud Métis woman whose leadership continues to shape the heart of our work at Culturally Committed. Katy invites us to reflect deeply on the forces that keep us isolated—from each other, from justice, and from empathy. Her words are both a call-in and a call-back: a reminder that relationship is not only possible—it’s necessary. We’re living in a worl

When I first moved to Vancouver Island in the summer of 2013, I was amazed to see wild blackberries growing everywhere—sprawling across roadsides, arching over fences, staining the earth deep purple. Back then, I didn’t know the difference between native and invasive species. I just knew that, where I came from, blackberries were sold by the tiny plastic pint for far too much money—and devoured in seconds by my kids. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn more abou

Summer days on Vancouver Island are truly magical. As someone who spent most of her life on the prairies, I never tire of the beauty and pristine nature of this incredible place. One of my favourite summer pastimes is exploring the crisp, clean rivers – finding new access points and floating in the gentle currents. I bring along my chair, a book, and some snacks, and soak into the warm summer sunshine (with a thick coat of SPF 50, of course!). So, a few weeks ago on Canada D

Every month, the Culturally Committed community gathers in virtual circle with three of our treasured Mentors to ask questions, share dialogue, and seek understanding. During these gatherings, we strive to uphold Coast Salish protocols, as Culturally Committed is founded on Coast Salish territory. In every circle, we participate in introductions. We invite folks to share who they are, where they come from, whose territory they are calling in from, and anything else they’d lik

Two weeks ago, I was on vacation. It was a Wednesday, and I had a pregame call scheduled with our Mentor team at 6pm. For those unfamiliar, a pregame call is what we call our preparation meetings before a Community Call. It’s a space where the Mentors and I come together to strategise our approach for the questions that have come forward, ground ourselves, centre our intentions, and ensure we’re showing up in a good way. I spent that entire day thinking about that call – chec

Today is Canada Day. My relationship with this day has changed so much over the years, and I’m still figuring out how I feel about it. Ten years ago, I was that person who would outfit my entire family in Canada shirts and little maple leaf face tattoos. We’d stand on the sidewalk in Parksville, waving flags as the parade went by. Back then, it felt simple. I felt proud to be a Canadian. Five years ago, I remember telling my friend Ashley that I felt like I was being radicali

It amazes me how certain moments become etched in our memory. Some encounters drift away like smoke, while others settle deep within us—unshakable, permanent. Ten years ago, while visiting the Nation of Halalt to provide oral health services, I was invited to sit with the Elders for their Elders’ Lunch. We shared a meal, exchanged stories, and I introduced myself—who I was, where I came from, and what brought me to their community. One Elder from that day has stayed in my hea

This week, as we approach Indigenous Peoples Day, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be in good relationship—with ourselves, with each other, and with the land. For this Teachings Tuesday, I’m honoured to share the words of someone who continues to teach me about the strength and sacredness of relationship: Wholwolet’za George Harris Jr. Uy skweyul siiye’yu (Good day friends), Over the past few years, I’ve been on a journey that’s brought me to this moment—a mom

Hi friends, If you’re new to this newsletter, welcome. I’m Kim, and I often describe myself as an imperfect learner in this work. I’m not a cultural safety expert, an educator—or even a professional writer. Each week, I use this space a bit like a personal unlearning journal—sorting through the generous teachings I’ve received, the reflections they’ve sparked, and the discomforts and realizations that arise as I try to walk more gently and responsibly alongside Indigenous Peo

This week's teaching was shared by Daniel Elliott, a Mentor with Culturally Committed and a cherished Elder of Stz’uminus First Nation. Daniel’s words are often woven with quiet wisdom, humour, and deep reverence for the land and spirit. What follows is a story he offered in his own voice—a moment of stillness, grief, and profound learning, witnessed during a sweat lodge ceremony. His gentle reflection reminds us that even the smallest parts of creation can open our hearts to

This week’s Teachings Tuesday is offered by Culturally Committed’s Director of Organizational Relationships and Special Projects, Katy Carson. Katy brings a impassioned warmth to her leadership, always returning us to what matters most: relationship. In her role with the BC College of Oral Health Professionals, she’s been helping to reshape the way meetings are held—not with big declarations, but through the intentional act of beginning differently. This reflection offers a g