Members of the Heiltsuk Nation in Bella Bella, British Columbia, are celebrating a momentous occasion as a baby is born on traditional Heiltsuk land. The joy is amplified as the delivering doctor is also a member of the Heiltsuk community.
Situated on Campbell Island, approximately 480 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, Bella Bella lacks the facilities for childbirth, requiring expectant parents to seek medical care at more advanced facilities before their due date. However, Nicole Johnson unexpectedly went into labor at 34 weeks on a day of inclement weather that prevented air ambulance services. Dr. Don Wilson, an obstetrician-gynecologist of Heiltsuk descent, was called upon to assist in the emergency.
With only 45 minutes to reach Bella Bella and anticipating the need for a potential caesarian section, Wilson quickly mobilized resources, including bringing his anesthesiologist partner. The team at ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital had to perform a C-section in the absence of an operating room, utilizing alternative equipment in the trauma bay for the procedure.
Despite the unconventional circumstances, the delivery was successful, and a healthy baby named Anthony Bennett Johnson was born at 1:35 a.m. Mother and baby are reported to be in good health post-delivery. Max Johnson, Nicole’s uncle, expressed the significance of having a Heiltsuk doctor oversee the birth, noting the community’s excitement at this rare event.
Dr. Wilson emphasized the emotional connection that Indigenous peoples have with their ancestral lands and stressed the importance of promoting Indigenous representation in healthcare professions. This unique birth experience serves as a reminder of the critical role of a robust public healthcare system, especially in rural areas.
The community and the Heiltsuk Nation are elated by the successful birth, viewing it as a healing event that underscores the importance of cultural connections and community support in healthcare.