The relationship between First Nations people and Northern Health took on a brighter glow Thursday during the official lighting of a large red cedar wall-plaque carving depicting the five Aboriginal clans in the Northern Interior Health area.
The atrium at University Hospital is the permanent home of the 16-foot, 500-pound carving created by Native artists Peter George and Clayton Gauthier.
Kathy Yeulet, UHNBC director of care, said the ceremony was a historic moment in bridging cultures.
"What a spectacular cultural bridge we now have at UHNBC. It's said that the spirits of the carvers remain with the carving, and I will listen for their laughter every time I pass by."
Like a totem pole, telling the story of the clans begins at the bottom, said George.
Near the bottom are the symbols of the Frog, Grouse and Beaver clans along with the Caribou clan which was recently reintroduced to the Lheidly T'enneh Nation and on whose traditional territory UHNBC is located, George said.
Supported by the Lheidly T'enneh clans is the Bear-Wolf clan to the west of Prince George and the Eagle and Raven clans from the B.C. coast which watch over all from their higher perch.
"We put the sun at the very top because it's a new horizon and many doors have been opened through the project," said George.
"The light symbolizes the relationship between NH and Aboriginal people of the North. It's a light that will forever burn brightly."
Warner Adam, executive director of Carrier Sekani Family Services, said the lighting of the plaque not only marks a co-operative working relationship with NH, but will give comfort to indigenous people accessing the hospital.
Noting that First Nations health status is far below the national average in Canada and that of the rest of B.C., Adam said the ceremony is a recognition that systems must change to be more inclusive of different cultures to improve health care overall and close health gaps existing in First Nations communities.
It took the artists about five months to complete the red and black carvings in the red cedar which came from southern B.C.
