On September 13, 2024, a remarkable moment in healing and community took place as the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) joined Tsow-tun Le Lum (TTLL) to celebrate the Sacred Ceremonial Grand Opening of the newly relocated healing house in Cowichan Territory. This day marked not just the unveiling of a new building but the continuation of a vital legacy that began in Snaw-naw-as Territory in 1988.

The celebration began early in the morning, welcoming guests through a beautiful cedar arch—a symbol of healing, and to offer a brushing as people entered the healing house. The feeling in the room was calm, as elders were called to witness the healing journey ahead, emphasizing the importance of their wisdom and guidance.

At 9:00 AM, the sacred mask dancers of the Coast Salish family performed a powerful sacred dance, a tradition passed down through generations. Their movement, accompanied by the weight of history, brought healing as the ground becomes blessed for the work ahead showing resilience and spirit of First Nations culture. No videos or photos are permitted during this time, as this particular dance is sacred and ceremonial. It is intended solely for those present and not for widespread sharing online—a tool that emerged only after colonization.

The groundbreaking ceremony held deep significance, as families from Coast Salish, Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu-Chah-Nulth, and Urban communities blessed the land through songs, dance, and a pipe ceremony. The Coast Salish, Kwakwaka'wakw, and Nuu-Chah-Nulth members blessed the floor by dropping eagle feather down to honor their ancestors, transforming the space into a site for healing that connects the past with the future. The Urban ceremony emphasized the power of tobacco smoke in communicating with the spirit world, with prayers offered before the tobacco is placed in the pipe. As the smoke rises, it carries these prayers to the Creator and the four directions, with four puffs symbolizing the bond between the human and spirit worlds.

A pivotal moment arrived at 11:30 AM when representatives from Tsow-tun Le Lum, First Nations Health Authority, Island Health, Correctional Services Canada, Cowichan Tribes, and the Power to Give, gathered to cut the cedar ribbon, officially opening the doors to a larger, more equipped facility that will serve Indigenous people from across the province. Nola Jeffrey, Executive Director of TTLL, reflected on the day, saying, “One of the things my elders always tell me is, love is the most important thing... so what I do is I create a safe and loving home for people to come and do their healing."

With this new location, TTLL can now expand its offerings, including a crucial new “Stabilization Program" designed to help individuals get grounded and prepared to enter the Substance Use program—a vital step for many who face barriers to accessing care. “The Stabilization Program will help get people in the doors really quickly, and just help them stabilize. To help them get grounded, orientated and help them with withdraw management. We don't have a medical detox, but people absolutely come here and are detoxing off anything they are using to help them feel better," said Nola Jeffrey. This program addresses the immediate needs of Indigenous individuals, paving the way for a more accessible and supportive healing environment. “Change requires system-wide, transformative approaches and Tsow-Tun Le Lum is a model for organizations seeking to provide culturally safe and trauma-informed cultural, emotional, addictions and healing services to First Nations people" said Richard Jock, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).

After the ribbon cutting, guests savored a delightful lunch prepared by the talented chefs at TTLL, which featured three exquisite cakes crafted by Isabella Towiss, honoring the center's mission and values. The afternoon featured speeches from community leaders, including Telaxten of the First Nations Health Council representative from the Coast Salish family, who warmly stated, “It's been a long time coming where we've needed this house for our people."

As the event drew to a close, cultural sharing and dancing by the Coast Salish, Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Urban families illuminated the gathering, highlighting the power of tradition in encouraging community and healing. Nola Jeffrey was walked out with the Tzinquwa Dancers, a heartfelt tribute as she was blanketed and honored for her unwavering commitment to the healing house.

The day finished in a series of giveaways, a token of gratitude for everyone who attended and participated in this remarkable celebration. It was a heartfelt and emotional day that underlined the significance of community, blessings, and healing of our people.

Thank you, Tsow-tun Le Lum, for allowing us to be part of this transformative day. Together, we step forward into a future where healing is not just a possibility, but a shared journey for all.