On the afternoon of September 7 2016, Vancouver Coastal Health’s Aboriginal Health team partnered with Vancouver’s three host Nations (Musqueam First Nation, Squamish First Nation, and Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and the Vancouver Native Health Society to honour the Indigenous Elders who support staff and patients in Vancouver hospitals and health centres. In a beautiful and moving ceremony hosted by the three Nations and held at the Musqueam Cultural Centre, Eleven Elders were recognized for their contributions to the Aboriginal community of greater Vancouver.

A moving experience

“I keep hearing from the Elders about how much they appreciated this day – many of them received their teachings on Musqueam territory, with Elders who have now passed on.  It was moving for them to be on this land and held up in this way,” said Jennifer Dehoney of Vancouver Native Health Society. Vancouver Native Health Society works closely with Elders who mentor staff to increase their cultural competency, and clients who request spiritual guidance.

“These Elders work tirelessly for their people, particularly those without family or other supports,” said Leslie Bonshor, VCH Aboriginal Health. “This honouring ceremony is our way to thank them for the work that they do on our behalf.”

The afternoon began with a salmon and bannock lunch, followed by a calling of witnesses, ceremonial honouring of the Elders through blanketing and cedar brushing, and a recognition of their work. Blankets have been used for centuries in Coast Salish culture as a way of honouring people in ceremony. Cedar is known for its cleansing and protection properties in traditional healing.

Honouring ceremony

The ceremony ended with the witnesses speaking about their experiences of the event. It is traditional Indigenous practice at an honouring ceremony to call individuals to witness the event. Witnesses are responsible for sharing their experiences at the event with their colleagues and community. Witnesses at the Elders honouring ceremony included Andrew Day, VCH Director of Primary Care, and Mahara Allbrett, VCH Aboriginal Wellness Program Counsellor.