Three Island Health nurses were honoured for providing care to a First Nations elder.
Island Health says a Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation elder experienced a life-threatening illness, with her family being told that she might not survive.
Cassandra Taylor provided care to the elder at Port Hardy Hospital, with Fleur Smit-Anseeuw and Brian Rose providing care in the ICU at Comox Valley Hospital.
With the elder in recovery, the Nation put together an uplifting feast on January 11 to thank the nurses for their work, while also supporting the elder in her recovery.
Smit-Anseeuw says it was a moving and profound experience.
“In the hospital it is easy to focus singularly on the physical aspects of healing and this was a good reminder of the importance of social, cultural and spiritual elements of healing that continue past the hospital stay,” said Smit-Anseeuw.
“To be welcomed into this space was a huge honour that I do not take lightly and will have a lasting impact on my nursing practice.”
Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw chief Siwidi says it was important for them to show their appreciation and to put the nurses at the forefront.
The feast saw more than 20 chiefs, who all thanked the nurses for the care they provided.
