Oral history and cultural competency were key themes at the June 17 event for VCH staff, to mark National Aboriginal Day which is June 21. Elder, Larry Grant welcomed guests to the unceded traditional territory of the  hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking Musqueam people and shared some of the rich oral history of his descendants. Musqueam Nation provided the beautiful venue and excellent meal for the event, which was co-hosted by VCH, Provincial Health Services Authority and First Nations Health Authority. The day included greetings and presentations from each organization as well as music and entertainment by Red Jam Slam.

Dr Patty Daly, VP Public Health and Chief Medical Health Officer.

Prize winners

As part of the celebration, the winners were draws from the entries in the Cultural Competency Storytelling Contest. Congratulations to these draw winners:

• Michael Pasche ($100 gift certificate for Cedar Root Gallery)
• Josephine Jung ($20 Starbucks gift card)
• Kathy Gerry ($20 Starbucks gift card)
• Don Strom ($20 Starbucks gift card)
• Jennifer Beckrud ($20 Starbucks gift card)

Please contact us if you would like to pick up your prize. Otherwise prizes will be sent by internal mail to your work location.

You can read the draw entries here, in the comment section.

Take the Training

Learn more about the rich heritage of Aboriginal people and the implications for your practice by registering to the Indigenous Cultural Competency Training. To register email Juan.Solorzano@vch.ca. Don’t forget to check out the new ICC courses available for free (after first Core ICC is completed) at http://www.culturalcompetency.ca/.

Draw winner Michael Pashe at VGH.