Nәćamat: 2016 Downtown Eastside Aboriginal Women’s Village of Wellness

Nәćamat: 2016 Downtown Eastside Aboriginal Women’s Village of Wellness event was held on Thursday, October 6, a day dedicated to sharing and caring for Aboriginal women living in the heart of the city (also known as the Downtown Eastside). The Salish word Nәćamat (prounounced by nawt saw mat) as defined by Victor Guerin (Coast Salish Linguist) means ‘we are all one’, ‘we are of one heart’, ‘we are one mind’. Hundreds of women came together to focus on their health and well-being and social connectedness.

Health care providers, health service partners and volunteers were on hand offering services such as new-to-me clothes, a nourishing lunch, haircuts, manicures, healing work, songs and stories, smudging, prayers, cultural celebrations, the opportunity to speak up and for recognizing the important role of women.

“It was a day full of healing and caring for women who are traditionally the knowledge keepers, life givers and the key to the wellness of themselves, their children, families and communities,” said Leslie Bonshor, Executive Advisor, Aboriginal Health.

Vancouver Coastal Health Aboriginal Health Services, First Nations Health Authority, Provincial Health Services Authority Aboriginal Health, the City of Vancouver and many other organizations partnered to make the inaugural Nәćamat DTES Aboriginal Women’s Village of Wellness possible.