Honouring Our Loved Ones is a digital space
where people can remember those they’ve lost
For International Overdose Awareness Day, the FNHA is supporting the many people who have lost a loved one to the toxic drug crisis by creating a place to come together to remember them for all that they were and to hold them up.
Honouring Our Loved Ones is a safe and welcoming digital space where friends and family members can share a story to honour someone they've lost using a video, photo, artwork or an audio recording. This virtual space is a safe place to remember, honour and grieve. For each loved one, the FNHA will grow a tree to remember them. These trees will be planted in the spring of 2023 in a dedicated area in the health region where the storytellers live.
This storytelling space was developed to support the growing number of First Nations communities, families and individuals experiencing loss due to the toxic drug crisis. Indigenous families and communities across BC are affected by loss every day and losses are impacting future generations.
A welcoming space
A video message featuring Elder Syexwáliya Ann Whonnock of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Squamish Nation welcomes visitors and grounds them in culture. A prayer is read by Elder Th'et-simiya Wendy Ritchie of Sq'ewqyél Skowkale First Nation.
Watch the welcome video here.
You are not alone
Our Indigenous culture and teachings tell us that storytelling is a good way to share our knowledge and experiences, and to learn from each other. By sharing the stories of friends and family members we've lost, we may see that we are not alone. This is one of the goals of Honouring Our Loved Ones.
Visit Honouring Our Loved Ones to read and hear the stories of others or to share your own story. Many of us have lost someone to the toxic drug crisis. We are not alone. Find out more at HonouringOurLovedOnes.fnha.ca
