INSIGHTS ON CULTURAL SAFETY IN PRACTICE

ʔaǰečxʷʊt, This is ašli from ƛoʔos Nation. This week, I wanted to talk about “microaggressions” – what they are, why they occur, and how...

The very first time I visited Vancouver in 2014, I remember excitedly participating in one of those quintessential tourist activities: biking the Stanley Park Seawall. It was a late afternoon in September, and I acutely remember how beautiful the day was. As I turned a corner and started heading directly into the warm light of the setting sun, I saw it for the first time: Siwash Rock. I applied my brakes, climbed off my bike, and captured photographs of this unusual rocky spi

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

On December 23, I noticed the Canada Post van stop in front of my house, and the postal worker run up to my door with a parcel in hand....

Last Wednesday, our community gathered for our monthly Zoom Community Call. Behind our treasured mentor, George Harris Jr., we could see...

It was a special week for the community of Lantzville, as an art piece commissioned by artist lessLIE (Penelakut/Quwutsun) was unveiled....

This week’s #TeachingTuesday is being offered by Culturally Committed Mentor, Daniel Elliott of Stz’uminus First Nation. Last week Dan...

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

Throughout the course of my journey, I’ve had the absolute privilege of sitting in the most incredible spaces, witnessing ceremony, and...

This week's teaching is being offered by Jenn Smith of Tlowitsis First Nation. Last week, Jenn shared part one of this two part series...

This weeks teaching is being offered by Jenn Smith of Tlowitsis First Nation. Some time ago, I came across a breathtaking picture of Jenn...

Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a drum-making workshop facilitated by Hwiemtun - Fred Roland from Quw’utsun First...

Over the past several years, the Nation of Penelakut has been doing incredible work trail building across the Island. Whenever I can, I love to zip out on the trails on a lunch break -- to see how they are coming along, while taking in the beautiful nature that blankets this gorgeous gulf island. The challenge is, as the trails get longer and more developed, the more difficult it is to see them all in the limited time I have in the community. I am an avid mountain biker, and

This is Ašli from the ƛo?os Nation. Today I wanted to talk about cultural appropriation – something that I have been thinking a lot about...

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned while working in First Nations communities is understanding the difference between neglect and avoidance of care. For individuals who have experienced trauma in a medical setting, overcoming that fear and re-engaging with health services can be a massive challenge. Visiting spaces that are reminiscent of places of past abuse can be very triggering, as the brain has learned that these are not safe places, and the body responds acc

With the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaching on September 30th, we wanted to prioritize some time to discuss the...

This past week I’ve been keeping in close contact with Culturally Committed Mentor, George Harris Jr. of Stz’uminus First Nation. George...

When I first started my work in First Nations communities eight years ago, I noticed a lot of people excitedly talking about 'pulling'...