Hello, my English name is Rob Sam; my given name is Kwa’lla’thout. (My name comes from Discovery Island) I come from the Cowichan, Tsartlip, tribes and have family ties in the US as well. I have been a lifelong resident of WJOJLEP/Tsartlip Nation located in Brentwood Bay. I have received many valuable teachings from my parents, grandparents, and great parents whose family values, teachings, and cultural practices date back 100’s of years. I am a proud family man, active hunter, fisherman and cultural advisor. I am a survivor myself of a government run Indian Day School a place of hard lessons and abuse felt by many peers and younger generations. I am meant to continue helping where I can with the struggles many of our people have today. This much I share today. Hychka Siem
The role of PCFSA ‘s Indigenous Liaison is to help create a culturally safe environment for Indigenous community members to receive team based healthcare and cultural supports. By working in Community and at the Centre, the Indigenous Liaison works to bridge gaps and barriers to accessing care by providing advocacy, education, and support for Indigenous individuals and families and acts as an intermediary between those accessing care and other healthcare staff. This role is also instrumental in improving the cultural competence of our staff, which ultimately improves trust with Indigenous community members who access our services.