BC Healthy Communities’ PlanH hosted a webinar on June 28 featuring Dr. Sarah Wright Cardinal, an Assistant Professor at the University of Victoria’s School of Public Health and Social Policy. T and three speakers from the City of Mission. Connie Allsopp, Delivery Lead for PlanH at BCHC, facilitated the webinar.
Dr. Cardinal’s presentation was titled “Being a Helper Where Invited.” It touched on her remarkable personal journey and highlighted Indigenous knowledge systems. Dr. Cardinal presented a moving video on how the carving of a 33-foot traditional canoe played a critical role in safeguarding the mental health of Pacheedaht young men while involving the entire community. The process heightened the respect of the kinship family system on an intergenerational land and water-based ceremonial education and community wellness journey.
The webinar also focused on how local and Indigenous governments can forge partnerships and initiate substantial cooperation to establish Healthy Public Policy. The speakers from Mission included Kirsten Hargreaves, Manager of Social Development; Jen Cook, Primary Care Network Manager; and Barb Blanchard, Manager of Leq’a:mel Health Center. Their 2022 PlanH Grant Project for the City of Mission was developing a Community Wellness Plan and building partnerships.
The Mission presentation focused on the many partnerships required to successfully bring the community together. The team also highlighted a particularly successful project, which featured a Mobile Clinic & Outreach vehicle known as Mission in Motion.
PlanH, a collaboration between BC Healthy Communities Society and the BC Ministry of Health, supports the Local Government Leaders Speaker Series on Creating Healthy Public Policy.