Indigenous Health highlights

Date

Each week, the Indigenous Health department highlights good news stories from the North and from across the country.

International Women's Day statement

For International Women’s Day, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) released a statement intended to honour and give respect to Indigenous women across the province. The statement acknowledged Indigenous women for their achievements as sacred life givers, matriarchs, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunties and nieces, leaders and role models. FNHA also honoured women around the world facing adversity and to those who may be experiencing the effects of war.

Read how First Nations women and girls have been honored in a recent report titled Sacred and Strong and view the beautiful artwork within this report by Métis-Cree artist Carla Joseph.

Read the full state on FNHA’s website.

Study highlights value of Indigenous Knowledge in tracking decline of BC's mountain goat population

A recent study on the declining population of mountain goats in British Columbia’s central coast highlights the importance of listening to Indigenous people’s stewardship of the land. Mountain goats have been very important to Indigenous people from the area, not only as part of their diet, but also as important figures in traditional songs and dance ceremonies.

Mountain goats are difficult to study due to the altitude and remoteness of their habitat. The study highlights the importance of listening to local Indigenous Knowledge because it was local Indigenous community member who first flagged the population decline to researchers.

Douglas Neasloss, chief councilor of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation, noted that he has been watching the population decline for more than 20 years.

A combination of data compiled by the First Nation since the 1980s along with other methods to help track the mountain goat population.

Read about how Indigenous people are key members in supporting the preservation of declining animal populations in this study.

Read the full article from CBC British Columbia.

Kym Gouchie wins 2022 Jeanne Clarke Service Award

Kym Gouchie is an Indigenous musician, visual artist, and playwright. Gouchie was honoured for her ongoing work to preserve Lheidli T’enneh history, culture, Dakelh language, and music through her music and art.

“I feel that I am truly living in her footsteps and honouring her legacy,” Gouchie said in a release from the Prince George Public Library, the host of the annual awards. “I am standing here because I am a cycle breaker and I want something different for my life, for my children, for my grandchildren, for my great-grandchildren. And so, I believe that’s what inspires me to do the work that I am doing and to share these messages through music.”

The Jeanne Clarke Local History Award was established in 1985 in memory of former library chair Jeanne Clarke to recognize individuals or groups for outstanding contributions in the preservation and promotion of local and regional history.

Learn more about the 2022 Jean Clarke Local History Award recipients on CKPG’s website.

Tune into the Métis Speaker Series from MNBC

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) presents the Métis Speaker Series podcast.

The overarching theme underpinning each episode is Métis Cultural Healing and Rebuilding. The speaker series is intended to assist Métis Youth, Métis Chartered Communities, and the general public to create more visibility of Métis People and educate about Métis culture and heritage. Some of the topics tackled within the series include:

  • Michif language rivitailization
  • Gender equity
  • Two Spirited champions

Visit the Métis Speaker Series website to learn more and listen to available episodes.