Learning from Eco-social Approaches to Public Health
The "Land, Health & Healing" Series is co-designed and co-led by a team from Lheidli T'enneh First Nation & UNBC to profile and support Indigenous-led initiatives that connect lands, waters, health and healing. The Series began in 2020 through a range of virtual and in-person events connecting with Indigenous initiatives from across Turtle Island and internationally. Most recently, the series has focused on local community involvement in Lheidli T’enneh territory with a particular focus on an area known as Chuntoh Whudujut or The Ancient Forest. Our team shared reflections and insights from events designed in partnership with the Lheidli T’enneh Health Center focused on the health and well-being benefits arising from designation of Chuntoh Whudujut as a protected area. 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 were 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.
