On August 7, the Board of the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) gathered with a First Nations leader, Knowledge Keeper, witnesses, and guests for a Coast Salish blanketing ceremony to mark the formation of our new College and to acknowledge its commitments to reconciliation and decolonization.
The ceremony took place at the Vancouver Maritime Museum located on the unceded, ancestral territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples. The application of First Nation laws and protocols affirmed and demonstrated the College’s commitment to working to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism.
To begin, Joe Gallagher (k’wunəmɛn) of Tla’amin Nation and Principal at Qoqoq Consulting Ltd. introduced the history and importance of this work with health profession regulators. During the ceremony, a blanket was draped and pinned over the right shoulder of each CHCPBC Board member and a headband was placed each member’s forehead. Each Board member was gifted a pocket spirit: a frog to symbolize connection, or a hummingbird to symbolize peace.
Knowledge Keeper Sulksun, proud member of the Coast Salish Nation and the Musqueam Indian Band, explained to the group that the blanket and headband signify the Board’s readiness to begin the essential heart work and hard work ahead. The blanket, headband and pocket spirit received by each Board Member are lasting reminders of the responsibility and trust that they hold in their role on the CHCPBC Board.
After the event, Sulksun led Board members Joyce Kenoras and Allan Seckel through their first ceremonial duty on behalf of the College, which was to recognize and honour Joanie Bouchard for her role as Chief Transition Officer overseeing the amalgamation of CHCPBC. A blanket was placed over both of Joanie’s shoulders as a sign of respect, gratitude and acknowledgement for the work that she completed. The blanket also symbolized CHCPBC’s offering of strength and comfort as Joanie recovers from all her efforts and hard work toward amalgamation.
CHCPBC’s reconciliation actions will be guided by Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers and partners. These commitments to reconciliation, decolonization and anti-racism are a continuation of the declarations and promises made by the legacy colleges amalgamated on June 28, 2024 to form CHCPBC: College of Dietitians of BC, College of Occupational Therapists of BC, College of Opticians of BC, College of Optometrists of BC, College of Physical Therapists of BC, College of Psychologists of BC, and College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC.
