Staff Spotlight
Blending Indigenous traditions and Western practices
Meet Aux di mimx (Nisga’a name) Marcia Vickers (settler name), Indigenous Family Support Worker at the Sheway Pregnancy Outreach Program. Sheway provides health and social services support to people who are pregnant or parenting children and who have issues with substance use.
In her role, Marcia advocates for Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients navigating the colonial health care systems during addiction or recovery. Drawing on her cultural knowledge, she incorporates teachings from the medicine wheel and family stories to inspire and guide parents. She finds the role personally fulfilling, as holding babies gives her a sense of healing. She also supports her team members, helping them understand the intergenerational effects of colonization.
“Sheway is a good reflection of the multidisciplinary, multicultural, dedicated team who ensure that everyone gets the help and care they deserve regardless of where they are in their walks of life,” Marcia says. “It is hard work navigating between cultural healing and Western medicine, but it is very rewarding being able to connect and support the clients through their journeys.”
She also finds it rewarding to be a part of the Vancouver Coastal Health team, who is committed to reconciliation, continuous learning and providing culturally safe care.
Marcia has been with the team for two years, initially joining as a Indigenous Peer Support Worker before transitioning into her current role. During this time, she has gained valuable experience working with clients in active addiction. She also furthered her education by earning a counselling certificate to better support her work.
“Being able to help and give back to the types of programs I participated in when I was struggling is what keeps me doing the work.”
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