INSIGHTS ON CULTURAL SAFETY IN PRACTICE

Yesterday, I awoke to the warm sunshine streaming through my window, and immediately my thoughts gravitated toward a local landmark that had lingered in my mind all week—Mount Benson. As winter looms on the West Coast, no plans on my agenda and the conditions ripe for adventure, I resolved that today was my opportune moment. A few hours later, I found myself on the summit, captivated by the breathtaking view that unfolded before me. There, I took note of the sign atop the mou

This past weekend, I had the chance to sit and visit with my friend, George Harris Jr. of Stz’uminus First Nation. Last week, George’s Nation was hit by a freak snowstorm that broke branches and severed power lines, imposing a seventeen-hour power outage on the community. Following the event, George’s wife, Becca, made the comment that “the maples are growing like weeds.” George shared that her sentence echoed in his thoughts for days and inspired him to reflect on the work w

This past Sunday morning, I had a chance to sit and visit with my friend and Culturally Committed Mentor, George Harris Jr. of Stz’uminus First Nation. George was sharing with me about a recent trip he'd taken to Kilgarde, where he had the opportunity to sit in the longhouse for a good amount of time. George told me that he often finds that these experiences provide him a chance to deeply reflect on who he is and how he contributes to his family and community. George said tha

The past six weeks has been a busy time, including the back to school season, World Suicide Prevention Day, the shift from summer to fall, the beginning of holiday seasons and the slow decline in daylight hours. I am mindful that this time of year can be difficult for many, as memories of potentially traumatic back-to-school are revisited, and individuals who are isolated feel the weight of loneliness settling in. These thoughts caused me to reflect on a learning session Cult

Last week I had the pleasure of connecting with my friend, Len Pierre of Katzie First Nation, while sharing in a Fireside Chat hosted by the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia. ​(Click here to watch the replay)​. During our conversation we discussed examples of how to be a good guest in First Nations communities, and specifically, the significance of food in First Nations culture. This discussion prompted me to recall a workshop Culturally Committed hosted wit

Throughout the course of my journey, I’ve had the absolute privilege of sitting in the most incredible spaces, witnessing ceremony, and participating in culture in ways that I could never have possibly imagined. These are admittances I do not take lightly, as they have enriched my life in such a powerful and profound way. Whenever I head home from these experiences, the ride is generally punctuated with heavy emotions and many, many tears. The weight of undeservingness rests

ʔaǰɛčxʷot? This is ašli from Klahoose First Nation. I was recently visiting my hometown on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin First Nation; one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. It is also a place where there is currently a lot of tension due to discussions on renaming the town, which is named after Israel Powell, the first superintendent of Indian Affairs for BC. Because of these tensions, visiting home has me feeling apprehensive, as it no longer feel

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of participating in our July workshop, which featured Ethnobotanist, Rose Bear Don't Walk of the Bitterroot Salish and Crow Tribes. During her session, Rose shared her passion for plants as more than just food. For her people, plant knowledge, preparation, consumption, and the social aspects of plant processing, all have the ability to improve the nutritional, emotional, spiritual, and cultural wellness of Indigenous Peoples. She went on to sh

This week's #teachingstuesday is a guest post from Mother/Daughter duo, Brennan and Tiana MacDonald of Cowichan. I extend my deep gratitude to you for sharing your teachings and experiences with us. ​ “Go to the water and it will help you. Wash away what has been weighing you down.” Water has always been a special medicine for me, for as long as I can remember. From time spent on the river fishing with my late uncle, the cold water baths up in the mountain creek to take care

Two weeks ago during our monthly Community Call, our membership engaged in a sensitive discussion about Canada Day, wherein we explored how each individual felt about it. There was a wide range of perspectives shared: from cautious hopefulness to quiet reluctance. The conversation was vulnerable and at times very raw, with a constant intention of respect and honouring held by all who participated. Following the call, I got to thinking about my friend George Harris Jr. of Stz'

Prior to the end of the school year, George Harris Jr. of Stz’uminus shared with me that the school children of the Nation gather every Friday afternoon to drum, sing, and dance, and offered me an invitation to come and sit with him to watch. Drumming and dancing provides a way to close the week connecting the children with culture, and sends them into their weekend carrying good feelings. George feels strongly that it is of great importance to invite non-Indigenous professio

Last week, Culturally Committed Advisor ašli (ƛoʔos Nation) and I had the pleasure of delivering a Land Acknowledgment seminar to the Board of the British Columbia Chiropractic Association, hosted at the beautiful Fraser River Lodge, located on the territory of the Stó:lō Nation. In the days preceding the gathering, ašli and I began doing our research to learn whose territory we would be visiting and the history of the people here - we wanted to ensure we opened the circle in

I'll never forget the first time I encountered the scent of smudge in a health centre. As I walked in the door, my nose immediately detected the scent of burning material. I experienced a moment of alarm, and commenced searching for the origins of the smell, concerned to smell smoke in the building. My search ended as I arrived at the Mental Health Clinician's office, who had just completed the process of smudging her space for the day. Over the past nine years, this is a pra

This week's #TeachingsTuesday is part two of a three-part series offered by our friend, Jenn Smith of Tlowitsis. Gilakas'la Jenn. <3 "Trauma travels through families until someone is ready to feel it and heal it. If not healed, trauma seeps, hurting everyone in its path. The damage is not worth what is lost, which is self-esteem, self-love, health, wellness and stability. After surviving the impacts of generational, genocidal waves of colonialism, what do you do when your tra

This week we are grateful to offer a #teachingstuesday composed by our friend Raven Lacerte from Lake Babine Nation, and co-founder of the Moose Hide Campaign . Enjoy! "Hadih, my name is Raven Lacerte. I am Carrier- a member of the Lake Babine Nation and a part of the bear clan. I am a mother to two precious little girls- Cedar (4) and Chas (1), and partner to Dominic Paul. I am the Co-Founder of the Moose Hide Campaign. My dad and I started this work together in 2011 with t

Every Tuesday and Thursday, I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with my dear friend and Culturally Committed Mentor Daniel Elliott of Stz’uminus First Nation – Dan and I both offer our services working in the Stz’uminus Health Centre on these days. He and I regularly seek time to connect: Dan often brings me a steaming mug of his special medicine tea, or we venture out for a walk amongst the cedars over our lunch breaks. For the past months, the conversation has cent

I love visiting with my dear friend, Carmen George from Penelakut. She is an intergenerational survivor, and has one of the most beautiful, generous hearts I've ever witnessed. Carmen is mindful to incorporate teachings and cultural activities to support her own healing journey, and in her presence I've had the privilege of sitting in ceremony, participating in fish processing, and watching her knit beautiful "Genuine Cowichan" items. In fact, I've been the fortunate recipien