Culturally nourishing care in Bella Coola
Traditional Nuxalk foods are helping reshape hospital care through culture, connection and healing.
A new initiative in Bella Coola is reshaping the patient experience by bringing culturally appropriate, traditional food into care at the local hospital. Led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) researcher Dr. Chenoa Cassidy-Matthews in partnership with members of the Nuxalk Nation, the initiative is rooted in a simple but meaningful understanding: food is medicine, connection, and culture.
Through the Nuxalk Bella Coola General Hospital Traditional Foods Project, we are working to create a sustainable pathway for traditional and locally sourced foods from Nuxalk territory to be served to patients. Access to familiar, culturally grounded food provides comfort, support healing, and reinforces a sense of belonging during times of illness.
Guided by Nuxalk knowledge and priorities, this work includes community‑driven research to better understand current patient food experiences, identify barriers to introducing traditional foods, and determine what is needed for long‑term success.
Community knowledge keepers are helping to shape new menu options that incorporate traditional foods harvested from the territory, alongside other culturally comforting dishes.
This work represents our commitment to culturally safe care, reconciliation and improving health outcomes in partnership with Indigenous communities. By recognizing traditional foods as an essential part of wellness, we are strengthening relationships, upholding patient comfort and dignity, and ensuring care is grounded in respect for culture, land and community.
Guided by community knowledge keepers, a sustainable pathway for traditional foods from Nuxalk territory is helping patients access culturally grounded meals that support healing and belonging.
