The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) partnered with Northern Health Authority at the All-Native Basketball Tournament this week to host the Raven Room health screening and quiet space during the renowned seven-day event. FNHA supported two Community Health Representatives in training and overseeing health screening at the tournament this year with many positive kudos shared for Bobby Robinson and Leanne Alexcee's amazing work during the four days. The training, skills and confidence obtained will be brought back to their communities of Gitga'at ( Hartley Bay) and Lax Kw'Alaams (formally Port Simpson).
Over the week hundreds of people were screened for general health and wellness including blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, while being served several pots of locally picked Labrador tea and hand-making cedar roses. Our host, Fanny Nelson from Metlakatla First Nation, offered cedar weaving, fresh baked goods and a warm smile to everyone that stopped by. There were quite a few regulars that come to say hello to the awesome support staff.
This was also the official launch of the cultural education video Prince Rupert/Haida Gwaii Aboriginal Health Improvement Committee created called Honoring My Journey, the video will be used as a teaching tool for health care staff working in the region. The video features local residents talking about why culturally safe health care is so vital to healthy Indigenous communities. The video can be seen online here.
The All Native Basketball Tournament isn't just the biggest all Native tournament in western Turtle Island, it also has a strong history of acting as an event of cultural resilience, resistance to colonization, and a platform for social and political grassroots activism for First Nations up and down the West Coast. In its early years, when leaving your reservation required a pass from the 'Indian agent' and potlatches/feasting was banned, the tournament was an opportunity to do our business and connect with family and make new friends.
This year was no exception; there was a sea of blue at opening ceremonies, hundreds of players wearing "NO LNG" shirts showing solidarity for local groups like the Ts'msyen Lax U'u'la defenders on Lelu Island and Madii Lii camp just up the Skeena in Gitxsan Territory.
Featured in "Sharing Our Stories"
