Renaming hospital in Bella Bella to ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital
In June, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) leaders and Heiltsuk Nation members gathered in Bella Bella to rename the local Hospital to ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital.
This change is a result of a partnership with the Heiltsuk Nation and reflects our shared commitment to recognizing the importance of Indigenous culture, addressing historical injustices, reconciliation and creating a welcoming and safe environment for Indigenous patients and communities.
VCH and the Heiltsuk Nation have a longstanding relationship and in 2018, Heiltsuk Nation and VCH began working together to rename the acute care facility located on Heiltsuk territory to provide Indigenous cultural safety for the people it serves. The hospital was originally named after Dr. Richard Whitfield (R.W.) Large, a physician who ran the hospital starting in 1898. The name is associated with policies implemented between 1933 and 1973 which disproportionately targeted Indigenous women and continue to cause harm to Indigenous Peoples today. In 2014, VCH took over operation of the hospital.
“We welcome VCH’s proactive support in making this name change, which is consistent with the cultural and linguistic reclamation and revitalization work of Indigenous nations around the world. We are excited to have a Heiltsuk name for our hospital.” - Marilyn Slett, elected Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation and a member of VCH’s Board of Directors
The hospital plays a crucial role in providing emergency, acute and long-term care
Today, the hospital plays a crucial role in providing emergency, acute and long-term care to Bella Bella residents and the neighboring Central Coast communities, including the Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation in Klemtu and Wuikinuxv Nation along the Rivers Inlet.
The Heiltsuk Nation and VCH signed a Memorandum of Understanding, a formal recognition that we have achieved remarkable progress in advancing our shared goals.
The Heiltsuk Nation and VCH signed a Memorandum of Understanding, a formal recognition that we have achieved remarkable progress in advancing our shared goals, but there is still more work ahead
ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital