Te'ta-in (Shane Pointe) of Musqueam and Syexwaliya (Ann Whonnock) of Squamish selected as Knowledge Keepers

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of male and female Knowledge Keepers Te'ta-in (Shane Pointe) from Musqueam and Syexwaliya (Ann Whonnock) from Squamish. Both Elders have strong Indigenous worldviews, ancestral knowledge and traditional teachings, and are widely respected and acknowledged for the level of service, work and energy that they have committed to their communities.

"We want to acknowledge the generous teachings and mentorship of the late Qut-same (Elder Leonard George) who over the last ten years provided unwavering leadership, mentorship and support to the FNHA family," says FNHA Acting Board Chair Colleen Erickson. "As we move forward, the legacy of Qut-same will be with us and continue to guide our work. We welcome Syexwaliya and Te'ta-in to the FNHA family. As our Knowledge Keepers, Syexwaliya and Te'ta-in will assist FNHA in incorporating their unique beliefs, practices and protocols into our organizational development."

In 2012, First Nations leadership at Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey V endorsed Resolution 2012-01, which requires the selection of male and female Elders with the responsibility to provide cultural guidance and support to the transformation of health services for First Nations people.

In selection of the Knowledge Keepers, the FNHA Board took the following into consideration:

• Have extensive cultural, historical and spiritual knowledge of Indigenous peoples in BC and have the ability to translate this knowledge into meaningful application toward systems transformation;

• Would be recognized and respected by his or her community as an Elder (Knowledge Keeper);

• Have knowledge of the First Nations health governance structure and the work of FNHA;

• Carry themselves according to traditional teachings.

The First Nations Health Authority welcomes Te'ta-in and Syexwaliya to the FNHA family and is grateful for the wisdom and culture that both bring to the organization and FNHA's work with health system partners.