The Ksyen Regional Hospital officially opened its doors to the public on November 25th. The grand opening ceremony, complete with a naming and ribbon-cutting event, took place on Friday, December 13th. The event described is the official grand opening and name gifting ceremony for Ksyen Regional Hospital, located in Terrace, British Columbia. The name “Ksyen” is derived from the Tsimshian language, meaning the Skeena River, which is a vital waterway for the Tsimshian people and the surrounding communities. This ceremony, held on Friday, celebrated the cultural significance of the hospital’s name and its importance to the community.
The event began with Sharon Bryant, a Kitsumkalum elder, offering a powerful prayer in Smalgyax, the language of the Tsimshian, officially passing on the name “Ksyen” to the hospital. Bryant emphasized that the Skeena River is the lifeblood of the people, and the hospital will now carry that name to honor the land and people who have lived there for millennia.
The ceremony also included speeches from several dignitaries, including Lisa Wesley, the band counselor of Kitsumkalum, who spoke about the significance of the naming, the history of the region, and the hospital’s role in reconciliation. She acknowledged the work of the late Hereditary Chief Don Roberts and noted the long history Kitsumkalum has had with healthcare in the region, including the Walk for Health fundraiser to support the hospital foundation.
Minister of Health Josie Osborne highlighted the hospital as a symbol of healing, not just for individuals but for communities, acknowledging the important work of reconciliation. The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Chief Don Roberts, who was instrumental in the region’s development, and celebrated the collective effort that led to the hospital’s construction.
Other dignitaries, such as Mayor of Terrace Sean Bujtas and Cyril Bennett-Nabes from the Kitselas First Nation, spoke about the hospital’s importance, not only for medical care but as a cultural and historical landmark for the region.
Ksyen Regional Hospital is described as a place of healing, symbolically connected to the Skeena River. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing work of reconciliation, community collaboration, and the commitment to better healthcare infrastructure in Northern British Columbia. The hospital’s opening represents both a historical moment and a hopeful step toward a healthier future for the region’s communities.
