Shared Territories of the Lil'wat, N'Quatqua, Samahquam, Skatin and Xa'xtsa | MOUNT CURRIE
“Cultural safety means everything to me," said Chief Kúkpwi7 Gélpcal from the Lil'wat Nation, raising his hands to honour the es zúmin' Primary Care Centre. As he spoke to the community members, leaders and partners in attendance, he highlighted the collaboration it took to build es zúmin' and the good medicine that was created along the journey.
Meaning to “to care for" in the Stl'atl'imx language, es zúmin' is the second First Nations-Led Primary Care Centre (FNPCC) to open in the Vancouver Coastal Region and is part of the First Nations Health Authority's (FNHA) First Nations-led Primary Care Initiative.
The centre, scheduled to open later this month, will enhance access to culturally safe health care services for the Líl̓wat, N'Quatqua, Samahquam, Skatin and Xa'xtsa (Douglas) communities. Clients will receive care from a collaborative group of health care providers, including primary care providers, traditional wellness, and allied health practitioners.
“It means a lot to me to have culture be held so high in a health environment. It means we have room for spiritual healing, cultural healing, land-based healing."
Chief Kúkpwi7 Gélpcal's words echoed the feelings of gratitude and appreciation offered by others during the community gathering. The event served as an opportunity to recognize community leaders for their contributions to the opening of es zúmin', and to celebrate the milestone with the FNHA and other partners.
“I raise my hands to all those that worked hard at bringing this all together. Our health department, our health directors, FNHA staff; this is just the beginning," said Kúkwpi7 Don Harris.
Kúkwpi7 Dean Nelson, Líl̓wat expressed that the opening of the Centre will allow the health of each community to move forward in a positive direction. “Thank you all that have been part of it and have moved it forward."
Attendees toured the hub sites at the Southern Stl’atl’imx Health Society and Pq’usnálhcw Health Centre, which is where services will be offered until a permanent location is built. Following the tours, attendees were invited to the Úllus community centre for lunch and to witness the signing ceremony and traditional performances.
“I am really proud that we are here today to be together, for one cause, and that is the health of all our members” said Kúkwpi7 Brock Peters, Samahquam.
Youth from Xet’olacw Community School performed traditional St’at’imc songs, which added to the high spirits of the day. N’Quatqua Councillor Doris Peters said that the presence of the young performers was moving and symbolized the motivation to bring es zúmin’ to the region.
“What we are doing here, it isn’t for better health outcomes for ourselves, but for our children,” said N’Quatqua Councillor Doris Peters.
Before the celebration came to a close, FNHA and community representatives signed a Relationship Document, marking a significant moment that symbolizes the partnership among the five Southern Stl’atl’imx First Nations and the FNHA. The document also captures the shared commitment of working together and continuing the journey of bringing the es zúmin' Primary Care Centre to life.
The Relationship Document will be presented at es zúmin ‘Primary Care Centre, along with a framed group photo featuring the community members, leaders and partners present at the joyous celebration.
