Family and health leaders gathered to remember his tragic story and reaffirm commitments to culturally safe care for First Nations people
The people had gathered in the lobby of Chilliwack General Hospital, many embracing with the happiness that comes with seeing familiar faces. But joy faded as speakers began sharing stories about the life and untimely passing of Keegan Combes.
“Today would have been Keegan's 40th birthday, but he has been alive for me," shared Dr. Nel Wieman, Chief Medical Officer for First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). “Keegan's death was preventable, unnecessary and tragic."
The story of Keegan Combes, from Skwah First Nation in the Fraser Salish Region, is told through “Remembering Keegan: A BC First Nations Case Study Reflection", a 2022 report that documents the accidental poisoning and delayed diagnosis that resulted in his death on Sept. 26, 2015. The case study outlines how cultural safety and humility could have changed his outcome and aims to guide improvements in the healthcare system so others receive the care that he did not.
On Feb. 21, what would have been Keegan's 40th birthday, a rededication ceremony and artwork installation in his memory was held at Chilliwack General Hospital. FNHA representatives -- including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nel Wieman; Vice President of Regional Operations Naomi Williams; and Regional Executive Director Brent Tom -- were invited into ceremony as witnesses to respond to the work.
Brushers led drummers and the new piece of art carried by the artist, Carrielynn Victor (Xémóntalot), where it was welcomed and placed alongside the plaque that shares Keegan's tragic story.
Carrielynn shared the meaning behind the piece with attendees, pointing to eagles rising in the sky.
“Everything is moving in an upwards motion in the piece…it's a marker," she said. “The marker is here because people change, staff and visitors, but the story must be remembered."
“Eagles carry our prayers" she continued, pointing to the bottom where a house sits, explaining that it represents Keegan as the foundation.
“Today, we're helping the family left behind," said Willie Charlie (Chasta). “And while we're doing that, we are going to help educate so that others won't have to experience what [Keegan] went through. Thirty-five years ago, I never thought we'd be having a ceremony in our way in a hospital," he added, acknowledging a “dark era" in history when First Nations cultural practices were suppressed.
As laws changed and time passed, Willie said he was encouraged by his grandfather to once again share those teachings and culture to help non-First Nations people understand and respect their ways. He added that Keegan's spirit continues to teach as well, by asking us to remember his story, and not only his pain and suffering.
Keegan's uncle stood up to speak for the family, sharing teachings about connection, gratitude and beginning each day anew. Overcome by the moment, he said he was honoured to speak for his family and culture.
“We're all family, all connected some way or another and we need to keep going."
Naomi Williams described the ceremony as “a call to action for greater change" and reaffirmed the region's commitments.
Fraser Salish representatives from First Nations Health Council, Andrew Victor and Alisha Peters, were on hand to witness the unveiling of the artwork. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to heal together and create a lasting legacy for the family and community, while renewing their own commitments to working with health system partners to provide fair, compassionate care and services for First Nations.
Though Keegan's tragic loss will always be painful, Dr. Nel shared also that, beginning in September, UBC medical school will make Keegan's case study a part of their new curriculum. “Every student will learn about Keegan, and who he really was, not just what happened". After witnesses vowed to carry his memory and story with them, the heartfelt ceremony closed with a birthday song for Keegan.
Additional quotes:
“The Remembering Keegan report has provided us with clear and necessary recommendations for change. I am committed to ensuring our health system continues to respond with action, intention and humility. This is not a promise for today alone. It is a commitment to walk this path over time, in relationship." -- Dermot Kelly, President and CEO, Fraser Health Authority
“It is wonderful to see our work in health and healing being grounded in culture and ceremony; to be able to share this within the Health Authority for all to see and feel. We are on a journey of transformation with the vision of safe healthcare for everybody." -- Janice George, Nauness, President First Nations Health Directors Association, Fraser Salish regional representative and Health Director at Sts'ailes First Nation.
"Today's ceremony and the artwork honouring Keegan provide an opportunity to heal together and create a lasting legacy for the family and community. The FNHC is committed to working with its FNHA and Fraser Health Authority partners to provide fair, compassionate care and services for First Nations people." -- Andrew Victor, Alisha Peters, Loren Muth, Fraser Salish representatives, FNHC
