Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations |VANCOUVER – First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has issued the following statement:

The FNHA extends our condolences in learning of the passing of Te'ta-in (Shane Pointe) of Musqueam Nation, a widely respected Elder who humbly served as Knowledge Keeper for FNHA. His generous sharing of First Nations perspectives, traditional teachings and ancestral knowledge grounded our work and reminded us of our shared purpose in bringing health care to First Nations children, families and communities in BC.

Elder Shane's guidance continues to shape how FNHA understands self‑care, wellness, and our collective responsibility to one another. His legacy lives on in the way we approach health as an inseparable balance of body, mind, heart and spirit, and in the reminder to begin each day, and our shared work, with respect, prayer, and care for all we are connected to.

One of Elder Shane's most important teachings for FNHA is the term “Nuts amaht," meaning “We are one" in many Coast Salish languages. He said Nuts amaht is a Coast Salish truth that we are one with all other living beings and their spirits, our ancestors, sacred beings, such as Thunderbird, and the lands, waters, and skies of Mother Earth. 

At FNHA we raise our hands to Elder Shane's lifetime of work, and hold his family, loved ones and community close in our thoughts and hearts.

​Teaching by Shane ​​Pointe

Let's Take Care of Ourselves: Nurturing Spirit and Physicality​