Homewood Ravensview Welcomes Chief Rebecca David of the Pauquachin First Nation to the Position of Cultural Liaison

Innovative new position coordinates cultural practices and support programs at the landmark mental health and addictions treatment centre on the Saanich Peninsula

VICTORIA, Oct. 29, 2019 /CNW/ - Homewood Ravensview is pleased to announce that it has hired Chief Rebecca David of the Pauquachin First Nation to serve as Ravensview's first Indigenous Cultural Liaison.  Reporting directly to the centre's General Manager, Robert De Clark, David is responsible for cultivating strong relationships with Indigenous leaders, Elders, communities and agencies as she works to increase Homewood's organizational understanding of and engagement with First Nations perspectives.  She will also help design and deliver programs that incorporate First Nations knowledge, practices and ceremonies.

"This is an important part of our mission here," said De Clark.  "We worked closely with our First Nations partners to develop Ravensview and we will continue to respect and engage Indigenous cultures in our day-to-day work – everything from how we deliver care to how we design our client experience.  It's a real privilege to have someone with Rebecca's unique credentials and experiences leading that effort."

David brings to her work at Ravensview exceptional qualifications in both community leadership and addictions and mental health support.  She has been Chief of the Pauquachin First Nation since her election in October 2014 and serves on the board of directors of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations and the board of trustees for the National Indian Brotherhood Trust.  Earlier in her career she was a project co-leader and an employment counsellor with the Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre, an instructor at Vancouver Island University and an alcohol and drug counsellor at Tsowtun Lelum.  David earned a Diploma in Social Work at Malaspina College University, a Bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Care from Vancouver Island University, a Master's in Business Administration from Vancouver Island University and a Master's of International Business and Science from the University of Hertfordshire. 

"I feel like so much of my education and experience has been leading to an opportunity like this," said David.  "We are in a position at Ravensview to help hundreds of people every year.  Enriching our program and enhancing our results by incorporating First Nations traditions and perspectives is going to create an important legacy here on the mountain we call ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ … our 'place of refuge'."

As Indigenous Cultural Liaison, David's diverse portfolio will include establishing the overall vision and goals for the Indigenous cultural support program; providing clients with cultural support; developing cultural safety training and practices for staff; designing resources, workshops and events that incorporate Indigenous elements; and liaising with local First Nations to ensure support for Coast Salish protocols.

Anyone interested in learning more about Homewood Ravensview programs or self-admission to Ravensview should visit ravensview.com/contact or call 1.866.203.1793. 

About Homewood Health
Homewood Health is Canada's leader in the delivery of national mental health and addiction services. With more than 135 years of experience, Homewood achieves outstanding outcomes through its national network of more than 4,500 employees and clinical experts. Homewood's complete suite of services includes organizational wellness, employee and family assistance programs, assessments, outpatient and inpatient treatment, recovery management, return to work and family support services, all customized to meet the needs of individuals and organizations. 

About Homewood Ravensview
Homewood Ravensview, part of Homewood Health, offers treatment for mental health, addiction and concurrent conditions. The centre is located on 28 acres of forested hillside on Vancouver Island's Saanich Peninsula and focuses on creating individualized client experiences. Homewood Ravensview features forest and ocean views from private and semi-private bedrooms, suites and welcoming common areas.  Homewood Ravensview opened in May 2019 with 75 beds and more than 80 full-time staff.

SOURCE Homewood Health Inc.