Getting a boost recently was the creation of a healthcare setting that is welcoming and reflective of the environment and traditional territories where the Campbell River hospital is located.
That boost came from a donation from TimberWest to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation which will support this joint effort between Island Health, First Nations Health Authority and the Aboriginal communities of the North Island
Included in the design of the hospital is the Gathering Place, an all-inclusive, non-denominational space for quiet reflection and ceremony, furnished throughout with beautiful First Nation art work. The Thunderbird and Raven Spirit drum located at the entrance to the Gathering Place is a Mark Henderson original.
Henderson is the sixth of eight sons born to May and Sam Henderson. While many of his brothers turned to carving, Mark’s preference for two dimensional arts became apparent early on. Traditionally on the Northwest Coast, two dimensional painted designs were applied to objects of ceremonial and social importance like house fronts, canoes, drums and dance screens.
“We are honoured to be a part of the North Island Hospitals Project,” said Jeff Zweig, President and CEO of TimberWest. “This unique initiative blends art and culture with medicine and science. The goal is to create a place of healing and wellness that will serve the needs of our forest communities for generations.”