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Welcome Figures will greet all at Lions Gate Hospital
Creating safer spaces is a critical part of the work we do to support Indigenous clients, patients and families to feel comfortable, seen and valued. The creation of two Welcome Figures to be located at the main entrance of the new acute care tower at Lions Gate Hospital (LGH) acknowledges the traditional and unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) on which the hospital is built.
This spring, cultural logs were delivered to artists from the Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation, who were selected in partnership with advisors from each host Nation to carve the Welcome Figures.
While we are just under a year away from the official unveiling, work is well underway on the two large figures. Watch a video showcasing the impressive delivery of the enormous logs.
Embedding Indigenous art into healing spaces is an important step on our journey toward reconciliation and the provision of culturally safe and respectful care for Indigenous Peoples. The assertion of culture through art is an important contributor to the wellness and health of Indigenous People. Images like murals and carvings that depict the strength and resilience of Indigenous People can improve the patient, family and client experience in all our health-care facilities.
We are committed to improving the health experiences and outcomes as well as access to culturally safe health care for Indigenous People, and we recognize that we all have a contribution to make towards reconciliation and healing. In the new tower, called the Paul Myers Tower, Indigenous art will be visible throughout, showcasing our commitment to furthering partnerships with the communities we serve and in support of recommendation ten from the In Plain Sight report.
Once complete, the two Welcome Figures will be unveiled at the tower opening spring 2025. We are grateful to the Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation, and artists Sinámkin (Jody Broomfield) (Squamish Nation), Klatle-bhi (Squamish Nation) and Jonas Jones (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) for their partnership in helping to foster a welcoming and culturally safe environment at our sites.
June marks National Indigenous History Month, a time to reflect on our shared history and to recommit to culturally safe care. Indigenous art projects continue our work of reconciliation as we collectively build a health-care environment that honours and acknowledges the rich heritage, resilience and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.