Honouring Culture, Reclaiming Space: A Ceremony of Belonging on Ligwiłda’xw Territory – FNHA
August 21, 2025
On the traditional territory of the Ligwiłda’xw people – specifically the Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai First Nations, a powerful moment of cultural continuity and connection unfolded. Surrounded by family and Nation members, a child was honoured through a traditional naming and adoption ceremony, carried out in the spirit of love, belonging, and community. The ceremony took place in the Gathering Space at the Campbell River Hospital, a room designated for cultural activities and healing.
This was not simply an event, but an affirmation of identity and community resilience. It represented the ways Indigenous families continue to practice culture as an inherent right, even within systems that have not always supported or reflected Indigenous worldviews. Through collaboration and cultural advocacy, the ceremony demonstrated how health care environments can become places that honour both medical and spiritual wellbeing.
That day was made possible, in part, through the advocacy and support of Kristin Walkus, a Regional Health Coach with the Kwakwaka’wakw Maternal, Child & Family Wellness Program – an initiative led by the Kwakwaka’wakw Nations and hosted by First Nations Health Authority (FNHA).
