Building a Respectful Workplace at the ‘Na̱mg̱is Wellness Centre

This past month, the ‘Na̱mg̱is Wellness Centre team participated in a two-day training session focused on creating and maintaining a respectful workplace.

The training was led by Walter Myers, Health & Safety Consultant with W.M. Safety Solutions. Walter is a former First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) occupational health and safety program leader, who now works directly with communities to support workplace health and safety needs.

Day 1: Understanding Workplace Bullying and Harassment

The first day of training focused on identifying, preventing, and addressing workplace bullying and harassment.

Participants explored:

• Legal responsibilities under federal and provincial regulations
• Canada’s Bill C-65, which defines workplace harassment, abuse, and discrimination
• Expectations outlined by WorkSafeBC

While WorkSafeBC does not require specific certification for bullying and harassment, it does expect all workplaces to have clear policies, procedures, and training in place.

A key takeaway from the session was the importance of taking a preventive approach—addressing concerns early, rather than reacting after harm has occurred.

The training also emphasized:

• Proper documentation of incidents
• Clear reporting and follow-up processes
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Developing contingency plans to support staff

Day 2: Lateral Violence and Lateral Kindness

The second day focused on understanding lateral violence and the importance of lateral kindness in the workplace.

Lateral violence can be understood as the impact of colonization, where individuals who have experienced harm may direct that pain toward others in their community. When left unaddressed, these patterns can continue across generations and contribute to ongoing harm.

In contrast, lateral kindness encourages individuals to respond with empathy, compassion, and understanding.

Through open and respectful discussions, staff explored how:

• Lateral violence affects individuals and teams
• Lateral kindness can help shift workplace culture
• Small, intentional actions can lead to meaningful change

Moving Forward Together

The training was delivered in a trauma-informed and respectful way, recognizing the depth and sensitivity of these topics while supporting meaningful learning and reflection.

The ‘Na̱mg̱is Wellness Centre team remains committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace for all staff and community members.

A little kindness can go a long way—and together, we can continue building stronger, healthier workplaces.