SIIA is committed to respecting and uplifting the unique cultural protocols and legal processes of each Nation we represent. As the only Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nation among our Member Nations, p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx First Nation holds a special place in our work, and it is essential that we honor their distinct traditions and practices as Nuu-Chah-Nulth peoples.
We have held several key engagement session with p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx, each one deepening our relationships with and understanding of the community:
- September 22, 2022: we hosted a craft and social night where we started to build relationships with p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx members.
- May 9, 2023: we attended a lunchtime event and had the opportunity to share a meal and speak directly to key staff and community members.
- July 11-12, 2023: we held a multi-day engagement event at the p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx Health Centre. During these sessions, we were honoured to learn more about the language, culture, and traditional child-rearing practices of the p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx people. Participants shared their hopes and dreams for a healthy future.
- July 20, 2023: Members of the SIIA team travelled to p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx territory to witness the canoes coming ashore during Tribal Journeys. We observed the protocols for coming ashore, a powerful symbol of the importance of respecting the Nations whose territory you are entering. We also witnessed the cultural exchange between the p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx, Ahousaht, and Hesquiaht Nations as they shared meals, songs, dances, cultural teachings, prayers, and speeches. We were especially honoured to hear about the launch of their new canoe, a development that underscored the strength and resilience of the p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx people.
Our relationship with p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx First Nation is further enriched by the present of an elder from their community who sits on an Aunties Council that provides SIIA with invaluable advice and insights as we navigate our work.
We are grateful to the p̓aačiidʔaaʔtx community for welcoming us into their community and sharing their knowledge, culture, and hopes for the future with us. We remain committed to ensuring that their voices are central in shaping the future we are building together.
