INSIGHTS ON CULTURAL SAFETY IN PRACTICE

Last week, our Mentors and I gathered to host a community call with one of our partner organizations. As I welcomed everyone into the space, I felt a familiar flutter of nerves (yes, even after all these years, it still happens). I took a deep breath, greeted the group, and shared our usual etiquette guidelines, the ones that help us begin in a good way. Feeling settled, I moved us into introductions and invited Mentor Jenn Smith to start us off. She turned on her mic and sai

As the winds begin to change and summer gives way to fall, there’s a teaching that’s been sitting quietly on my heart for a long time. Out of respect for the sacredness of Coast Salish culture, I’ll keep the details intentionally vague—but I still feel it’s something that needs to be shared, especially for those offering care and services to First Nations people. Before writing this, I reached out to Culturally Committed Mentor, George Harris Jr. of Stz’uminus First Nation ,

When I was growing up on a farm in southeast Manitoba, there was a common saying I often heard: “If you want control of what happens on the land next door, you’d better own it.” That phrase has been echoing in my mind lately, especially after the recent court victory involving the Cowichan Tribes — represented by Stz’uminus, Penelakut, Lyackson, and Cowichan. On August 7, 2025, the British Columbia Supreme Court released its decision in Cowichan Tribes v. Canada (Attorney Gen

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...

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...

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...

George shared something with me a while back that I continue reflecting on. He talked about how canoe paddlers train by hanging buckets...

This week’s teaching comes from Jared Qwustenuxun Williams of Quw’utsun, who has generously shared an important message about the ongoing...

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...

A few weeks ago, someone in one of our gatherings expressed that they found introductions to be uncomfortable — even a bit intrusive....

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....

Last week, someone in our community asked about the term “harm alarm” — and what to do when you sense culturally harmful words or...

This week’s Teachings Tuesday is offered by our Director of Organizational Relationships and Special Projects, Katy Carson, a proud...

When I first moved to Vancouver Island in the summer of 2013, I was amazed to see wild blackberries growing everywhere—sprawling across...

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...

Every month, the Culturally Committed community gathers in virtual circle with three of our treasured Mentors to ask questions, share...

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...

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...

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,...