BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) and the Tla’amin Nation have announced the renaming of an ambulance service building.
Station 229 Powell River will now be known as Station 229 qathet, after the name was gifted to them by the Nation.
Executive Vice President and Chief Ambulance Officer Leanne Heppell said their honoured to have been gifted the name.
“This is important step in the process of reconciliation and creating a workplace and a patient care environment that is anti-racist, culturally safe and inclusive.”
A renaming ceremony was held last month, featuring BCEHS employees and senior leaders, and Tla’amin Nation Legislative Assembly members.
Tla’amin Nation Hegus John Hackett said the steps BCEHS is taking to increase cultural safety is meaningful and are being heard and felt in the community.
“Removing the harmful name Powell from the ambulance station is yet another important step toward moving our relationship forward in a good way.”
The change is part of BCEHS commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and embedding cultural safety across all areas of the organization.
