On a very wet and cold night on Saturday, October 13, 2012, a First Nations family was in need of spiritual support for a loved one in Vancouver General Hospital. The family had called in a First Nations Healer, Fred John, of the Xaxli’p Nation, to support them in the offering of prayers by way of a sacred Pipe Ceremony.
Within two hours of their request, and with the help of two Aboriginal nurses, VGH security and health care staff, the Inter-Faith room at VGH was made available for the family. In the past, such a sacred ceremony would have taken place outside in the wet and cold night. Instead, VGH was able to offer a sacred space to allow for 20 family members (including four generations) to come together in prayer and ceremony for their loved ones.
VCH is working towards providing culturally competent health care in ways that lower barriers to accessing culturally relevant and meaningful care. VCH, through the Aboriginal Health Practice Council, has developed policies supporting the Ceremonial use of Tobacco and Smudging Medicines and Access to Traditional Practitioners for First Nations and Aboriginal peoples while they are receiving health care within VCH facilities. There have been many spiritual ceremonies held in VCH hospitals but last Saturday was a wonderful example of how we, as VCH staff, can make a tremendous difference in working together to benefit people’s holistic health and well-being.