A public Reconciliation event to help build meaningful relationships between the Gabriola Medical Clinic and First Nations, Métis and Inuit community members will be held Sept. 30, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Gabriola Community Health Centre at 695 Church St.

The event is being hosted by the Gabriola Medical Clinic and the Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice.  The intent is to connect and honour Indigenous voices through food, song, and shared purpose of health and wellbeing.

“We believe reconciliation begins with listening and relationship-building,” said event organizers. “This is a time to come together, to honour Indigenous knowledge and experience, and to continue to move forward in a spirit of mutual respect and care.”

Attendees will be treated to traditional sockeye salmon soup and experience ceremonial song—expressions of resilience, identity, and community.

The Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice aims to empower rural and remote primary care providers by connecting them with resources, improving their wellbeing, reducing isolation, and fostering innovation to strengthen equitable, culturally-safe healthcare across B.C.’s rural and remote communities.