The relationship between First Nations people and Northern Health took on a brighter glow Thursday during the official lighting of a large red cedar wall plaque carving depicting the five aboriginal clans in Northern Interior Health area.
The atrium at University Hospital is the permanent home of the 16-foot, 500-pound carving created by Native artists Peter George and Nathan Gauthier.
Like a totem pole, telling the story of the clans begins at the bottom, said George.
Near the bottom are the symbols of the frog, grouse and beaver clans along with the caribou clan which was recently reintroduced to the Lheidly T'enneh Nation and on whose traditional territory UNHBC is located, George said.
Noting that First Nations health status is far below the national average in Canada and that of the rest of B.C., Warner Adam executive director of Carrier Sekani Family Services, said the ceremony is a recognition that systems must change to be more inclusive of different cultures to improve health care overall and close health gaps existing in First Nations communities.
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