INSIGHTS ON CULTURAL SAFETY IN PRACTICE

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of connecting with Sabra Thompson, a Community-Appointed Métis Elder in residence at Capilano University and the Director of the Vancouver Sea to Sky Métis Association. Our connection was driven by Sabra's passionate advocacy work to raise awareness about the often-overlooked issue of the taxation of honorariums. She has been actively seeking ways to inform the public about this important matter. I shared with her that our newsletter has a

Last week, I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with George Harris Jr. of the Stz’uminus First Nation and Jared Qwustenuxun Williams of Quw’utsun. During our discussion, we explored the pursuit of leadership positions in corporate culture, and how the attributes that commonly elevate individuals in these systems conflict with the values prioritized in First Nations communities. George explained that, rather than striving to stand out and be noticed, his people en

Over the past ten years, and more so since the inception of Culturally Committed, there has been a teaching that has been echoed repeatedly in my ears: the importance of knowing who you are and where you come from. (Thank you, George). Fluently reciting a family lineage and identifying connections is something I witness often. In fact, just last week I was happy to introduce two of our mentors to each other: Jared Qwustenuxun Williams (Quw’utsun) and Thomas George Jr. (Halalt

This week’s #TeachingsTuesday is being offered by our friend, Giulia Lucchini. Our team first began interacting with Giulia back in July 2023, and from the very beginning it was easy to see that she deeply committed to the work of pursuing cultural humility and actively advancing the work of reconciliation. Now, our Mentors have the opportunity to interact with her and her team regularly, and we are deeply grateful for her friendship, and for allowing us the opportunity to gr

This week's Teachings Tuesday is graciously being offered by ​artist Jamie Gentry​ from the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation, who grew up immersed in culture and surrounded by talented artists. From a young age she was drawn to working with her hands, whether it was sewing, beading or weaving. For the last eight years, Jamie has been making custom moccasins for clients – each pair is cut, beaded, sewn and carved by hand. Her goal is to make meaningful connections through moccasin making,

This weeks Teachings Tuesday is being offered by our dear friend and treasured Mentor, George Harris Jr. of Stz'uminus First Nation. Nearing the end of 2023, my wife and I decided that we were going to get a truck. Our main purpose for the truck was to move firewood around our property. Hearing about our new vehicle, my cousin Candice George commented, “Now we can go for a ride up into the mountains.” I hadn't given it much thought, but I used to do that often in my high scho

Last week, our Mentor team and I had the great pleasure of hosting our third Community Call with BC Transit. The purpose of these gatherings is to create a safe space for dialogue and to foster connection between our Mentor group and their Community. In this session, the Mentors aimed to nurture these relationship by emphasizing the cultural importance of introductions. During the first half of the call, we spent time in breakout rooms, each hosted by a Mentor, where particip

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

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

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

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

This mornings #teachingstuesday is being offered by Fancy Poitras of Mikisew Cree Nation in Treaty 8 Territory. Fancy shares: "Last year,...

This week's #TeachingsTuesday is being offered by Cultural Safety Educator and our dear friend, Jenn Smith of Tlowitsis First Nation....

This week's #TeachingsTuesday is inspired by words shared by our friend Len Pierre when he stated, "we can't talk about reconciliation...

During last week's #TeachingsTuesday, Culturally Committed Advisor Ašli of ƛoʔos First Nation invited us to consider the origins of the...

This week’s #TeachingsTuesday was inspired by a reflection shared within our Culturally Committed Community by an advisor, Ašli of ƛoʔos First Nation. Ašli’s reflection was prompted by an article she read about the town of Powell River and the ongoing debate on renaming it. This article prompted Ašli to consider the origin of the names given to other locations across Turtle Island. She shares: ​ "Further reflecting on the article I shared about "Powell River", I have spent t

This mornings #TeachingsTuesday was put forth by Culturally Committed Consulting Mentor, Jared Qwustenuxun Williams of Quw'utsun....

This week’s #teachingstuesday is being offered by Kelsie Kilawna (Marchand), a sqilxw (syilx/Indigenous) woman who was born and raised in...

In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day, this weeks #TeachingsTuesday was shared by Len Pierre of Katzie. Thank you Len for...