Under a clear, sunny sky, members of the Snuneymuxw First Nation gathered on April 15 for a "Blessing of the Land" ceremony on the recently reclaimed Te’tuxwtun lands, where the Nanaimo Indian Hospital once stood.
The land, part of a historic land reconciliation agreement signed early in 2024 with the Government of Canada, was once home to the notorious Nanaimo Indian Hospital and, prior to that, used by Western Forest Products and the Department of National Defence. Now, it is being returned to Snuneymuxw as part of an 80.09-hectare addition to their reserve lands.
A large crowd attended the event, where prayers, songs, and stories were shared in honor of the people who once suffered, and in some cases, died, on this land.
Chief Mike Wyse addressed the gathering with powerful words about the painful legacy of the hospital.
“There are at least 50 unmarked graves in our Snuneymuxw cemetery that were from relatives who attended the Nanaimo Indian Hospital,” he said. “We want to acknowledge the relatives who were lost. Before the first shovel goes into the ground, we must do this work.”
Members of the Ahousaht Nation stood in solidarity with the Snuneymuxw community, joining survivor Dave Frank in song and prayer. A speech followed, remembering Dave’s brother, Charlie Frank, who died while at the hospital. Their voices rose over the grounds in a moving tribute that reflected both sorrow and strength.
For many, the ceremony was deeply personal.
“My auntie went to this hospital, and they starved her,” said Snuneymuxw member Mikiala Morgan.
Others in the community spoke of healing and reclamation. One Snuneymuxw member described the land’s return as “a full circle moment,” signifying not only a legal victory but a cultural and spiritual restoration.
“One day, we will have a plaque made here with all of our relatives names that never made it home from the hospital,” said Chief Wyse.
John White, a Snuneymuxw First Nation member, noted after the event, “What Chief Wyse said about respecting our path forward by revisiting the site to do work was pretty important. He raised some good points about honoring the survivors by having a monument and the work Snuneymuxw has done with the ground penetrating and cultural work is also important.”
Following the ceremony, a luncheon was held on Snuneymuxw Nation, where community members, guests, and dignitaries gathered to share food, stories, and reflections. The meal provided a space for continued conversation, healing, and celebration, reinforcing the sense of unity and purpose as the Nation looks ahead to a future shaped by their own vision and leadership.
As Snuneymuxw moves forward with plans for housing, sustainable development, and community infrastructure on the site, the blessing of the land marked an essential step in grounding that future in remembrance and respect. The ceremony honored ancestors, acknowledged survivors, and set the foundation for a new beginning rooted in truth and tradition.
