SUPPORTING RECONCILIATION THROUGH RECOGNITION OF HOST FIRST NATIONS

The raising of three traditional House Posts (a specific form of totem pole) by the host First Nations of Vancouver: Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations - at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) was a very special and auspicious moment to witness and be part of.  In response to a sense of invisibility within the health system by the local First Nations, the leadership of Vancouver Coastal Health in partnership with the three Nations, took an important step on the journey towards reconciliation with the vision of creating a culturally safe and welcoming space for Indigenous peoples at VGH.

Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) - Vancouver’s largest hospital (and Canada’s 2nd largest hospital) sits on the traditional and unceded territories of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations in Vancouver. As an Indigenous consultancy, we have been very blessed and fortunate to work closely with the three Nations over the past 10 years, so much so that they are in many ways like our second family away from home in New Zealand. Two of our team have already been honoured with traditional names by the Squamish Nation. We were very grateful and fortunate to be approached by the Executive Director Aboriginal Health from Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (similar to a DHB in New Zealand) to project manage a major Indigenous Cultural Safety pilot project at VGH, guided by these 3 Nations. 

Strongly supported by the leadership of VGH, four major initiatives were developed which included:

1. delivery of an Indigenous Cultural Safety training curriculum to 350 staff 
2. establishment and awareness of Elders and Aboriginal Patient Navigators
3. raising awareness of cultural resources and supports 
4. creation of welcoming spaces for indigenous patients and families

As part of the “welcoming space” strategy, it was identified very early by both Indigenous patients and VGH that the raising of three Traditional House Posts carved and raised by each of the three Nations would be a major component of the journey towards reconciliation.

Canada’s institutional providers of health care, such as hospitals, are often unfamiliar and even threatening environments for some First Nations and Aboriginal people – particularly those who have primarily lived-in rural settings. Often these institutions and systems are viewed with mistrust and suspicion. This perception can act as a barrier to their uptake of health services and therefore lead to adverse health consequences. To be part of this project was not only humbling, but also very critical to the wellbeing of the Aboriginal population. 

The 12-month journey began with the acquiring of cedar logs; recruitment of 3 local carvers (thank you to the Elders, Knowledge Keepers and members of each Nation who appointed the carvers); carving and design development; transportation; engineering; installation and many other activities to reach the day of the raising ceremony. Witnessing the raising ceremony of the House Posts was both spiritual and emotional. In honour of their work we gifted three bone carvings to each of the carvers (below one of the carvers holds his taonga in his hands as he watches his post being raised). Such an honour!

Project managing such a major event was no easy task. We have huge respect for many people throughout this journey. There is no question that relationships were key in this journey and we raise our hands to many people including the 3 Nations, VGH and VCH Aboriginal Health. The first phase of creating a welcoming space at VGH was certainly achieved in our eyes!