Artwork by Bayja Morgan-Banke from the Toquaht (Nuu-Chah-Nulth) and Secwépemc(Shuswap) nations
territorial acknowledgement
It is with profound respect and gratitude that we acknowledge the rights and title of the First Nations on whose collective unceded territories the office of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia is located. These are the homelands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking peoples in the territories of the xʷməθkʷəyə̓ m (Musqueam) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-ulh Sníchim speaking peoples (Squamish Nation). These nations have existed here for over 9000 years, and we continue to support their inherent rights and title to these lands and waters.
In recognition of our role in serving people and communities across the province, we also acknowledge the rights and title of over 200 First Nations whose collective unceded territories stretch to every inch of what is now colonially known as British Columbia. This land was never ceded or surrendered to the crown, and the College is committed to standing beside First Nations on their traditional territories in support of their rights to self-determination, sovereignty, and justice.
We also acknowledge the unique and distinct rights, including the rights to health and wellness, of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples from elsewhere in Canada who now live in British Columbia.
The effects of colonization throughout Turtle Island continue to have devastating and lasting impacts on Indigenous Peoples including racism, structural inequities and the erasure of Indigenous cultures, language, traditions, and worldviews. As leaders in the settler health system, we acknowledge our responsibilities to uphold the inherent and enduring rights of Indigenous Peoples across Canada under international, national, and provincial law.
We encourage you all to take the time to learn about these histories to better understand the First Nations on whose traditional territories you reside.
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About the Artwork
In 2025, CPBC introduced new artwork to accompany its official Territorial Acknowledgement. This artwork features a thunderbird design created by artist Bayja Morgan-Banke and is intended to serve as a meaningful representation of the territories on which we work and live.
Artist's Description:
This artwork features a powerful thunderbird form encircling the sun, a prominent figure in many First Nations cultures representing immense strength. The sun, depicted with a human face at its center, symbolizes hope, renewal, and the human capacity to effect change and drive progress. Surrounding this central image are cedar trees, essential to coastal First Nations traditions, and majestic mountains that highlight the beauty and significance of the land. The piece captures the interconnectedness of cultural symbols and natural elements, emphasizing the connection between heritage, strength, and the territory we are situated on.
About the Artist
Bayja, an artist from the Toquaht (Nuu-Chah-Nulth) and Secwépemc(Shuswap) nations, grew up in Tofino in a family where creativity was a way of life. Her grandmother painted and sang, while her father and grandfather were skilled carvers.
With an educational background in film and animation, Bayja now works as an illustrator at Indigenous Marketing Solutions. She's passionate about preserving indigenous languages and tells stories through her art, blending traditional techniques with animated styles. Each piece she creates honors her cultural heritage and connects the past with the present.
Bayja's art is both heartfelt and hopeful, celebrating indigenous traditions while imagining a future where these stories continue to thrive.
Learn more about our ongoing work to address and dismantle Indigenous-specific racism in healthcare:
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