On Thursday, Northern Health unveiled the Indigenous “companion name” for the new G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital ED/ICU addition.
The name is composed in three lines, the first in Carrier, the second in Chilcotin and the third in English. The name - Dune Soonunakehududzuk (Du Neh Soo nuh nah keh hud ud zuk) Deni Belh ?Ats’enanx (Deneh beth ats enal) The People are Healing – was developed in partnership with the neighbouring Nazko First Nation, Lhtako Dene Nation, ?Esdilagh First Nation and Lhoosk’uz Dene First Nation.
“It was great to be able to share our language (Southern Carrier). We are the people that came a long way. Our voices are very strong and so are our knowledge keepers of our land. Everything comes from the heart and mind and our voice,” said Ellie Peters, one of the elders from Lhtako Dene who sat on the naming working group. “Now, to see our welcome sign (Dune Soonunakehududzuk), I feel happy to walk down the hall and be part of the hospital.”
Northern Health worked with Indigenous community groups and elders to develop the name, and is part of health authority’s commitment to reconciliation and creating a culturally-safe environment.
“For generations, there have been traditional names given to the various areas and spaces within this province by the First People. Seeing and hearing our languages is a form of healing and provides an immediate sense of welcome,” said Nicole Cross Noxs Niisyuus, vice president of Indigenous Health. “I’m inspired and encouraged by the leadership of the communities and the partnership we are building.”
