It is in solemn reflection that we mourn the recent passing of respected Coast Salish Knowledge Keeper, Siem Te Ta-in (Shane Pointe). This is a profound loss for his people, his loved ones, and all of us at PHSA who had the privilege of learning from and walking alongside him.
Siem Te Ta-in, Uncle Shane to those who hold him dear, carried wisdom, humility and a deep sense of responsibility to community and to truth—specifically the truth about the existence of Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and our collective ability and responsibility to eradicate it within PHSA.
The
six Coast Salish teachings that he gifted to PHSA in 2023 have helped ground our work and remind us of the importance of relationship, respect and accountability to the land and to one another. As we honour his life and legacy, we have the opportunity and obligation to uphold promises made when we accepted these teachings:
- speaking truth (thee eat)
- being good medicine (eyhh slaxin)
- remembering that we are one (nuts a maht)
- opening our hearts and minds (whax hooks in shqwalowin)
- making up our minds to be strong (kwum kwum stun shqwalowin)
- doing our best (tee ma thit)
As we say farewell to our good friend and mentor, we do so with heavy hearts and with further emboldenment to continue honouring his work, which he did until his last breath. Siem Te Ta-in will be forever missed, but in the strength of his wisdom, the weight of his loss will be lighter.
PHSA has been made a better place, thanks to him.
