Making Connections

The Spirit of Wellness Canoe Circle – Day 2 – August 8, 2012

Another wonderful day on the water paddling with familiar faces and new additions on the second day of the Spirit of Wellness Canoe Circle organized by Eleonora Molnar from Vancouver Health.  It is truly an honour to be invited to this partnership event as school trustee of the SD46 Board of Education.  This is a picture of the SD46 Spirit Canoe s-yéwen s-néxwílh skipped by SD46 Principal Kerry Mahlman.  The Spirits of Our Grandmothers Canoe s-yéwens ihems sila skipped by Fred Stark and the shíshálh First Nation Canoe skipped by Andy Johnson and Shyanne Watters were also present on this glorious day.

This was our second day for service providers who work with those in our community with mental health issues and addictions to paddle together in Porpoise Bay.  We meet once again in three canoes to discuss our present situation, possibilities, and programming to best serve those who require services.  Topics ranged from looking at drug usage as an illness to the healing powers of the canoe.  The conversations amongst service providers were dynamic, organic, and engaging.  The Board of Education Chair Silas White was also able to attend Day 2 of this event among many others from organizations such as Arrowhead, the Salvation Army, the Sunshine Coast Employment Centre, and the Sechelt Indian Band.  Building relations amongst service providers and the shíshálh nation with the canoe is nourishing, inspiring, and liberating.  Participants are able step away from the board room and reflect on their own practice as individuals but also take the opportunity to dialogue and share ideas with others.

Porpoise Bay Beach – Traditional Fire Roasted Salmon

Finally, I would like to thank the aboriginal youth and Tammy Saigon from SD46 for taking the time, effort, and care to prepare a wonderful salmon dinner for the paddlers.  First, the dinner gives the paddlers a mid-journey destination, something to look forward to.  All three canoes will raft up before and after dinner to talk with one another about mental health and addictions.  Second, the food nourishes the body, mind, and soul.  Somehow food promotes mingling and dialogue amongst participants.  Finally, the salmon was prepared traditionally over an open fire by the aboriginal youth.  The love and leadership expressed by the aboriginal youth was outstanding.  And, I would like to thank the Sechelt Indian Band for generously donating the salmon to the Spirit of Wellness Canoe Circle for all three days.  The food has been excellent.  Your generosity is acknowledged.

One more day of paddling with the Spirit of Wellness initiative on August 8th, 5pm at Porpoise Bay along with a follow-up meeting.  Thank you to all those who are volunteering their time to take part in this initiative to make connections with various service providers on the Sunshine Coast.  It makes me hopeful that we are all in it together, working together, to achieve a common goal of wellness.  All my relations.