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A day-in-the-life - Elder Roberta Price

In honour of Orange Shirt Day, this week we profile Elder Roberta Price.
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​Elder Roberta is of Coast Salish heritage and a survivor of the foster care system when she was separated from her family at the age of six. She was prohibited from practicing anything related to her culture and language, but was able to overcome this trauma to reconnect with her roots later in life. Elder Roberta now helps others heal with traditional practices and ceremony.

What is your role at BC Children’s and BC Women’s?
I am an Elder in the Indigenous Health program.

How long have you been working at the hospital? 
It’s been many years. I’ve been working with the hospital for a while now that I cannot pinpoint an exact number. 

Can you describe what a typical working day may look like? 
I am called to any of the many wards within the hospital to share and practice ceremony for the babies, children and loved ones of these babies and children. I provide spiritual and emotional support to families going through the happiest and saddest moments.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
Former challenges I have encountered was the non-awareness of my role as Elder and now today I feel that people are more welcoming towards me as Elder. 

What do you find most rewarding about your job? 
I find it most rewarding when families feel supported by my presence and unconditional love that I exhibit to each one of them on their journey at the hospital. 

What does Reconciliation mean to you? 
Reconciliation, to me, means that people need to hear the truth first and there is no reconciliation without hearing the truth. This truth needs to be shared in a good, kind and respectful manner in order for healing to take place in this vast country, we now call, Canada. Thanks for listening. 



BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre; People in Profile; Indigenous Health
 
SOURCE: A day-in-the-life - Elder Roberta Price ( )
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