Covenant hosts Indigenous blessing for community health centre
Jan. 22 was a special day at the Covenant Community Health Centre in southeast Edmonton. Covenant staff and leaders gathered for a Pipe Ceremony and blessing of the building led by Elder Leonard Saddleback and his wife, Elder Julia Gibson, from Samson Cree Nation. It was a time of listening, reflecting and sharing gratitude.
Leading up to the Pipe Ceremony, Elder Saddleback shared the story of the creation of Turtle Island and spoke about the origins of health and healing through Indigenous ways of knowing. He also spoke about the importance of connection to spirit, the land and one another. The Pipe Ceremony that followed was a sacred ritual to connect with the Creator, seek guidance and offer prayers for the community and the land.
After the ceremony, Elder Saddleback moved through the building while smudging and offering prayer. He asked the Creator to bless the new Covenant Community Health Centre and all who will enter it. He also prayed for Covenant, including staff, leadership and the board of directors, asking for guidance, wisdom and strength as they carry their work forward in service to others.
This type of blessing is important for Covenant and for the Indigenous community, says Adam North Peigan, Covenant’s lead for Indigenous health development and community engagement.
“It’s vitally important that Covenant remember the new community health centre sits on the traditional Territory of Treaty 6,” says Adam. “At the end of the day, Indigenous people will be using the centre for generations, for as long as the building stands. The blessing acknowledges and shows respect for the Territory and the Treaty 6 people.”
In health care, moments like these remind us why making space for culture, story and connection matter, says Patrick Dumelie, Covenant president and chief executive officer.
“Healing does not begin with buildings or programs. It begins when people feel seen, respected and held with care.”
The event ended with participants enjoying a traditional Indigenous lunch of moose stew, bannock and berries.
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