Learning from Eco-social Approaches to Public Health
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In 2019, the ‘Land, Health & Healing’ series began from an idea formed between members of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and folks from the University of Northern British Columbia to design and host events together to profile and support Indigenous-led initiatives that connect lands, waters, health and healing. This has included a range of virtual and in-person events connecting with Indigenous initiatives from across Turtle Island and internationally.
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In June 2020, the LHH team was planning to bring together ~150 colleagues and community-members from across Canada and beyond to be co-hosted by Lheidli T’enneh Nation and the University of Northern British Columbia, on the unceded Territory of the Lheidli T’enneh.
The gathering was intended to bring together people who are engaged with Indigenous-led approaches to connecting land, health and healing. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Gathering was postponed, and a series of virtual Seasonal Touchpoints were planned - which included the June 2021 event.
Our virtual adaptation of the Land, Health and Healing Gathering was focused on strengthening existing relationships and fostering cross-fertilisation among work that connects health, land and community. The Gathering was an opportunity to fuel a vibrant culture of knowledge exchange among groups of colleagues working on land, health and healing in their practice, research and learning. Close attention was given to welcoming, closing and related protocols on the unceded Territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, in combination with panel discussions, Circles, music and storytelling focused on two themes:
(i) Indigenous-led and integrative approaches to land, health & healing
(ii) land-based practices for health and wellness
Visit below to learn more about this event including video recordings:
https://padlet.com/landhealthhealing/land-health-healing-gathering-2021-sqd6rk0zrxbyvd70
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Focusing on cultural revitalization and community wellness, this day long workshop was designed to engage the community and hear from speakers who discussed different pathways and benefits linked to the Chun T’oh Whudujut (Ancient Forest). A small, targeted group of participants, primarily from Lheidli T’enneh Nation, was invited to attend in person, with some speakers and key partners connecting online.
The workshop focused on the relationships between land, culture and well-being, informed by past, present and future connections and benefits for the community. The event created discussions among participants about how different activities in the Ancient Forest can support cultural revitalization efforts, Indigenous tourism and bring opportunities for economic, cultural and well-being benefits to Lheidli T'enneh Nation members and the wider community.
The day began with an opening ceremony and grounding from Lheidli T'enneh elder Darlene McIntosh, which led to some icebreakers and short presentations, with connections and co-hosting from Kym Gouchie (Lheidli T’enneh) and Margot Parkes (UNBC). In the afternoon attendees were invited to share and connect through a world-cafe style workshop, and to offer suggestions for future activities that connect Land, Health and Well-being in Chun T’oh Whudujut.
To read more about this workshop, view the report here
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Fuelled by the collective energies and enthusiasm about the forest that came out of that workshop, the 'Land Health & Healing' Series team partnered with the Lheidli T'enneh Health Center to support a day in the a newly protected area of the inland temperate boreal forest. In preparation for this event the team developed a short activity booklet that highlights Lheidli T'enneh First Nation culture, language and heritage and information about this important area. You can see a copy of this booklet here
These events have provided opportunities to deepen the diverse community partnerships that have enabled protection of this important area. New connections between land, culture and well-being are being embedded in this important part of BC’s inland temperate rainforest. Sharing through traditional storytelling about plants, fungi and other medicines has created new opportunities for learning amongst elders, youth, and community members. Lessons arising from our co-designed work, including educational materials, videos and new collaborations will be shared, reflecting the joy in coming together and shared responsibility to prioritize Indigenous histories, ways of knowing and stories that reconnect land, health and healing.