R.W. Large Memorial Hospital is now called ƛúxválásu’ailas Heiltsuk Hospital
The hospital in Bella Bella on the Central Coast has been renamed.
Formerly the R.W. Large Memorial Hospital, the hospital is now ƛúxválásu’ailas Heiltsuk Hospital which means ‘a place for sick people’ in the Heiltsuk language.
Originally the hospital was named after Dr. Richard Whitfield (R.W.) Large who ran the hospital starting in 1898.
In 2014, Vancouver Coastal Health took over running the hospital and in 2018 began working with the Heiltsuk Nation on renaming the hospital.
Hon. Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, said it is critical that healthcare is delivered in a trauma-informed, culturally safe environment.
“I’m grateful to the Heiltsuk Nation and Vancouver Coastal Health for their dedicated efforts on getting the hospital
for the community in Bella Bella renamed. This is a meaningful and impactful step towards Indigenous reconciliation, and we are deeply committed to furthering our commitment and work in reconciliation, creating safe healthcare for all.”
Marilyn Slett, elected Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, said the nation welcomes VCH’s proactive support in making the name change, which is consistent with the cultural and linguistic reclamation and revitalization work of Indigenous nations around the world.
