Dalton Silver doesn't present himself as an expert when he shares his stories. They were given to him by others, and he says they're meant to be carried forward.
“If you want to know what an Elder looks like, take a look in the mirror: you are one," he tells the room to ripples of laughter.
But Dalton's message is earnest: everything we learn from Elders is wisdom that is meant to be passed on. These words set the tone for the Fraser Salish Region's Traditional Wellness Seasonal Gathering, held in February at Leq'á:mel First Nation.
The gathering seeks to support a better balance between First Nations culture and Western approaches to engagement, and to inform how those approaches can be embedded into work with the FNHA.
A procession opened the first day with Leq'á:mel, Sts'ailes and the Pilault Warriors bringing warmth and excitement into the room. Jason Thompson of Leq'á:mel told the group the dancers are their most precious gift—their children—and that it is important they are the ones raising their hands to everyone arriving with good feelings and intentions. After each group contributed, they danced and drummed together, inviting attendees to join in.
As the day continued, the gathering highlighted the Healing Homes program with Janice George, health lead of Sts'ailes. The program hosts Coastal Jams, harm reduction workshops, and events around grief and loss that are grounded with activities around traditional regalia, canoe journeys, or making necklaces and keychains from medicines. All activities are intentionally planned to incorporate traditional healing practices.
The event also made space for conversations around culture and healing. Kristina Joe, health lead for Kwikwetlem, spoke about not starting her journey with culture until later in life and the grief of realizing what was missed. “Cedar didn't feel new," she said recalling experiencing it for the first time in ceremony. “It felt remembered."
Facilitator Joyce Leppington spoke about the challenges of Two-Eyed seeing—combining the perspectives of First Nations and Western knowledge systems—and how “we walk in many worlds…we carry multiple responsibilities all at once."
In group discussions, participants explored traditional wellness, cultural healing, community mental health, capacity building and workforce development. Themes included strengthening the bridge between youth and Elders, building relationships that create safety, and finding new ways to bring culture meaningfully into people's lives.
Throughout the event, emcee Winchester Victor watched for moments when the room became heavy and looked for opportunities to bring it back into balance. Following an emotional sharing, he called on drummer Christopher Preus to help ground the group again.
Later, “Bad Eagle Singers" came to share stories through dance, filling the space with drums and the sound of rain heard in their jingle dresses. Once again, participants were invited into a circle dance, closing the gathering with smiles on everyone's faces.
