An Invitation to Honour Our Loved Ones at the Opening of t̓ɛ χɛ θot

Ancestral food burning will invite ancestors to witness new program

April 1, 2025

The Tla’amin community is invited to a special ancestral food burning ceremony on Friday, April 4 at 9:00 AM, held to honour loved ones lost to mental health challenges, alcohol, and substance misuse.

At this sacred burning, we feed and pay respect to our ancestors — many of whom were taken from us too soon.

“Our Tla’amin families have suffered many sudden losses,” said Community Services House Post Brandon Louie. “Taking care of our relations in the spiritual realm brings healing — both in their world and in ours.”

A tray of traditional foods will be prepared for Tla’amin ancestors, and families are welcome to bring a special plate for their own loved one.

Peer support worker Lynn Galligos will help with the burning ceremony. “It is so important that our loved ones in the spirit world be part of this day and see the new services coming available,” she shared. “We invite them to bear witness to the opening of our new complex care housing — a step forward in healing, connection, and care for our people.”

Immediately following the burning, at 10:00 AM, we will gather to officially open the new Tla’amin complex care housing with a cedar brushing ceremony. All community members are welcome.

The new program is named t̓ɛ χɛ θot, meaning to warm oneself by the fire. It describes the feeling of warmth returning to the body — and was chosen to reflect the journey of many Tla’amin people who have experienced homelessness or insecure housing.

t̓ɛ χɛ θot is a joint program between Tla’amin Nation, Vancouver Coastal Health, and LIFT Community Services.

Questions can be directed to media@tn-bc.ca