This week, members of the BCCFP Board, alongside BC Family Doctors, were in Squamish, the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the traditional territories of xʷməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and and Səl̓ ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, to take part in Compassionate Leadership training with Heather “Ya?ak chumat axa” Atleo and Shawn “Ah-up-wa-eek” Atleo.
The workshop provides an introductory Compassionate Leadership education program that is grounded in both Indigenous and Western pedagogy, and based on the following core principles:
- Leadership starts with ourselves (if we want to see change, we must be the change)
- Compassion is about contributing to the happiness and well-being of ourselves and each other
- Connection before content, empathy before education (relationships first)
- Non-violent communication: ‘Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?’ (safety checklist)
It was an incredibly insightful experience that provided a number of valuable teachings – not just as leaders, but as people. Thank you, Team Atleo.