On October 3, 2024, the Southern Stl’atl’imx Health Society hosted an event focused on end-of-life planning with the First Nation Health Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health. DWDC volunteer Labhrás Quigley attended the event to delivered a presentation on medical assistance in dying and other end-of-life choices in Canada. In this blog post, Labhrás shares his insights and some of the outcomes of the event.

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What was the purpose of the event? 

The primary goal was to initiate open and honest conversations about end-of-life planning within the communities served by the Southern Stl’atl’imx Health Society. This included the communities of N’Quatqua, Samahquam, and Skatin, and the event was graciously hosted in the sacred space of the Big House in N’Quatqua.  

N’Quatqua is situated at the head of serene Anderson Lake. This picturesque location lies approximately midway between the charming towns of Pemberton and Lillooet. It is 215 km north of Vancouver.  

Who was present? 

Approximately 50 Elders and respected representatives from the First Nations Health Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health attended the event. The community extended a warm welcome, offering traditional hospitality, including a delicious lunch of Ts’wan soup and bannock.  

The scenic journey along the Sea2Sky Highway and Pacific Ranges, set the stage for a meaningful experience. Upon arrival in Pemberton, a beautiful rainbow greeted me, signifying a positive and welcoming energy that set the tone for my stay. 

What did DWDC bring to the table? 

In preparation for the event, I conducted research calls with the Southern Stl’atl’imx Health Society and First Nations Health Authority to ensure alignment with community needs and priorities. Additionally, a dinner was hosted the evening prior to the event with the health center team and representative Elders from the community. This provided a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, share insights, and align on the approach and support for the event. 

For the presentation I provided a comprehensive overview of medical assistance in dying (MAID) and end-of-life choices in Canada. This included a historical perspective, a deep dive into the current legislation and procedures, and a detailed analysis of demographic data on MAID utilization across Canada, with a specific focus on British Columbia. 

I also shared the inspiring stories of pioneering patients in the region as well as my experience working with patients in the Lower Mainland. We also explored the potential future of end-of-life legislation. 

What were your observation about how the Southern Stl’atl’imx Peoples address end-of-life choice and care? 

A central theme of the event was the cultivation of meaningful community connections through mindful engagement. The proceedings were initiated and concluded with prayer. Shared narratives and experiences were at the core of all discussions, highlighting the significance of spiritual, cultural, and emotional support in addressing sensitive topics. A designated space within the Big House was provided for ceremonial and traditional practices, including smudging, led by Elder Seislom7. 

What were the outcomes and next steps from the event?

A significant outcome of the event was the enthusiasm shown by the participants. More than half expressed interest in personalized one-on-one guidance on Advance Care Planning with the health care team.