Land Acknowledgment
Island Sexual Health Community Health Centre (CHC) would like to recognize the traditional and unceded Coast Salish territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən, known as Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, W̱SÁNEĆ Nations: SȾÁ,UTW̱, W̱JOȽEȽP, W̱SÍKEM, BOḰEĆEN, and MÁL¸EXE Ƚ, as well as Scia’new, and T’Sou-ke. Despite controversy around land acknowledgments, as an organization benefiting from these stolen lands, it is important for us to acknowledge the land and its relatives: the animals, plants, waters, air, and the Indigenous Peoples of these territories.
Since time immemorial, these lands have been inextricably linked with sustenance, health, tradition, and culture for Coast Salish Peoples. Indigenous health systems have long been upheld by traditional and spiritual healing practices, as well as community designs and lifestyles conducive to wellbeing.
The historic pattern of injustice against Indigenous Peoples within the healthcare field continues today through instances of racism, systemic racism, stereotyping, and microaggressions. Island Sexual Health CHC is committed to making our healthcare and community spaces safer, and more inclusive and welcoming for all individuals.
We are dedicated to anti-colonial work with the understanding that it is a never ending journey of learning and unlearning.
Island Sexual Health CHC is grateful to be guided by Indigenous Peoples and organizations that share their experiences, speak against systems of violence, and uphold traditional healing practices.
We raise our hands- Hay’sxw’qa, HÍ SW̱ KE, Thank You.
For more information
The following links will allow you to explore more information about the nations included within the Island Sexual Health CHC Land Acknowledgement.
First Nations Health Authority – https://www.fnha.ca/
First People’s Cultural Council – https://fpcc.ca/
First Voices – https://www.firstvoices.com/
Native Land Digital – https://native-land.ca/
Esquimalt Nation – https://www.esquimaltnation.ca/
Songhees Nation – https://songheesnation.ca/
W̱SÁNEĆ Nation – https://wsanec.com/
Tsawout Nation – https://tsawout.ca/
Tsartlip Nation – https://tsartlip.com/
Pauquachin Nation – https://www.pauquachin.ca/
Beecher Bay Nation – https://beecherbay.ca/
T’Sou-ke Nation – https://www.tsoukenation.com/
British Columbia Assembly of First Nations – https://www.bcafn.ca/
