Yesterday, the ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) Nation hosted a healing gathering in ̓aackʷiiʔatḥ (Matsquiaht) on Meares Island. The gathering offered the opportunity for Survivors, their families and community to witness or participate in the demolition of the former Christie residential school site.
“I hold my hands up to the Ahousaht Nation for their leadership and care during the healing gathering,” said Brennan MacDonald, VP Regional Operations for the Vancouver Island Region. “We honoured Survivors, and it was powerful to witness the resiliency and strength of the Nation. The FNHA will continue to uphold First Nations communities in BC and honour our commitment to eradicating First Nations specific racism in healthcare that is a legacy of these institutions.”
The FNHA shares our deepest condolences to each Survivor, their families, and all Indigenous people who have been traumatized by the ongoing and shameful legacy of Canada’s horrific residential school system. We send our utmost respect and prayers for healing for all survivors, the ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) First Nation leadership, community members, and the Ahousaht Residential School Research team.
“I hold each of our Elders, Survivors and family members in my heart today”, said Monica McAlduff, CEO of FNHA. “FNHA will continue to walk alongside families and communities impacted by the residential institutions and offer services to address their needs and support them in their healing.”
Even as we continue our work to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism in the health care system in BC. We know we cannot undo the atrocities of the past that continue to impact our communities in ways that are profoundly damaging.
As the health and wellness partner to over 200 First Nations throughout BC, the FNHA is committed to providing culturally safe mental health and wellness supports across a wide spectrum of services, in communities and for individuals and families living in urban areas an away from home.
To access the FNHA Mental Health Cultural Supports page, please download or open this page in Adobe Reader:
