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 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

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