Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Aboriginal Steering Committee at HELP

The School of Population and Public Health (SPPH) extends sincere congratulations to the Aboriginal Steering Committee (ASC) and Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) for a historic 20-year milestone.

2023 marked two decades of collaborative dedication between ASC and HELP. On October 5, ASC and HELP hosted a celebration in the First Nations Longhouse in honour of this important achievement. From the welcoming words from Kinwa Bluesky, Senior Manager of Indigenous Initiatives at HELP, to the final blessing by Elder Reanna Erasmus, the event unfolded with cultural reverence, heartfelt reflections, and the joyous taste of Indigenous Tacos.

On October 5, ASC and HELP hosted a celebration in the First Nations Longhouse in honour of this important achievement.

Kinwa Bluesky, Senior Manager of Indigenous Initiatives at HELP, was the emcee for the event

This partnership, established in 2003, ensures that HELP’s research activities involving First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities are reflective of diverse histories, cultures, languages, values, and ways of knowing and being. Dr. Mariana Brussoni, HELP’s Director and Professor of Department of Pediatrics & SPPH, acknowledged the ASC’s integral role, stating, “HELP’s long-standing relationship with the ASC has been integral to support the center’s work. More broadly, the ASC makes sure that HELP continues to make a significant contribution toward the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice, and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

Mariana Brussoni, HELP’s director, provided an introduction about the importance of the day and talked about the history of HELP and its research

At the celebration, Elder Doris Fox provided the land acknowledgement for the Musqueam community. Joanne Schroeder, Director of Strategy and Innovation at HELP, presented a reflection on working together with ASC throughout the last 20 years. Elder Duane Jackson, current ASC member, honoured the late Elder Jessie Nyberg (one of the founding members of the ASC), introducing a video tribute and presenting a gift to her family members that were in attendance, Bill and Eilenn McKenna. Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) ‘s performance added to the richness of the event that transcended the afternoon. The celebration culminated in the acknowledgment of all current ASC members, each receiving gift baskets as tokens of appreciation from HELP.

Joanne Schroeder, Director of Strategy and Innovation at HELP, presented a reflection on working together with ASC throughout the last 20 years.

Elder Doris Fox provided the land acknowledgement for the Musqueam community.

Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) ‘s performance added to the richness of the event that transcended the afternoon.

On October 13, the Faculty of Medicine announced that ASC has received a funding boost from UBC’s 2023 Partnership Recognition and Exploration (PRE) fund, a collaborative community-university initiative.

“This celebration is not just a reflection of the past but a commitment to a future where understanding, advocacy, and reciprocal partnerships shape the landscape of Indigenous child well-being. As we applaud this journey, we look forward to witnessing the continuous positive impact of ASC on Indigenous children’s health and well-being,” said Dr. Aslam Anis, Director of SPPH.

(From left to right) Elder Reanna Erasmus, Elder Glida Morgan, and Elder Doris Fox