Uniting First Nations Elders Through Tradition and Togetherness This Holiday  

On December 4th, Compassionate Neighbourhood Health Partner Association (known locally as Compassionate Neighbours) in partnership with Skwah First Nation, hosted a festive holiday luncheon—a gathering filled with laughter, tradition, and the spirit of community. Elders from First Nations communities across the Fraser Valley and beyond came together for this special holiday celebration—a day dedicated to culture, companionship, and connection. 

The annual event is more than a meal. It’s a space where Elders can reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and share in traditions that strengthen community bonds. As one long-time Chilliwack area Elder shared: 
 
“I’ve lost both of my parents. I was close with friends—they’ve moved on. So now I’m really by myself,” she says. “I’ve come for my mental health because it’s so easy to isolate ourselves… camaraderie, seeing other Elders, hearing the Welcome song, drummers…getting that piece of our culture.” 

How It All Began

The idea for a monthly All First Nations Elders luncheon grew from listening to Elders themselves. Some shared that they felt uncomfortable attending community seniors’ events without more Elders present and noted there were few regular gatherings for First Nations Elders—especially those living off reserve and those who had moved to Chilliwack from other areas.  

Compassionate Neighbours brought this feedback to Skwah First Nation leadership and proposed including a monthly luncheon for all First Nations Elders through the United Way BC Healthy Aging Social Meals grant that became available in May 2024. They asked if Skwah First Nation would partner by offering their Community Hall and preparing the meals. The leadership welcomed the idea with open arms.  

At the time, Skwah First Nation hosted its own luncheons for their Elders, but funding was limited to their community only, and they were unable to secure separate funding to expand. Today, Skwah First Nation continues its own Elders luncheons through United Way BC funding and supports Compassionate Neighbours in hosting monthly gatherings for all First Nations Elders at their Community Hall—a space for connection, culture, and belonging.  

A Holiday to Remember

This December marked the second annual holiday edition of the luncheon. Elders began arriving at 11 a.m., greeted with refreshments and reading books provided by the Rotary Club of Chilliwack. The Pilalt Drummers opened the celebration with a traditional welcome. Soon after, the Drummers were joined by the Pilalt Warrior Dancers, filling the hall with vibrant drumming, singing, and dancing. 

About 80 guests attended, some traveling from as far as Chehalis First Nation, New Westminster, Hope, and Yale. Others came from off-reserve communities, including some from other parts of Canada. Volunteers prepared a feast worthy of the occasion—12 turkeys with all the trimmings, followed by a sweet finish of holiday dessert. 

For many, the day was about more than food. It was about belonging. Elders from New Westminster reflected on why they made the trip out to attend,  

“It’s nice to see Indigenous, our First Nations people.” 

 “I love to meet other Indigenous people, especially in this area—this is their territory, their land—and I think it’s pretty wonderful that they open their hearts to us and invite us.” 

The Meal Matters

While the luncheon is about connection, the meal itself is something Elders truly look forward to. For many, it’s a chance to enjoy a hearty, balanced meal—something that can be difficult with rising costs and limited budgets. As one Elder shared: 

“Knowing I’m getting a nice meal from them means a lot. I really appreciate it.” 

Another added: 

“The food is always great.” 

These meals provide not only nourishment but comfort—a reminder that community care extends to the table. 

The Heart of the Celebration

At its core, this luncheon is about social connection. It’s about creating spaces where Elders can share stories, celebrate culture, and feel the warmth of community—especially during the holidays. As one guest beautifully put it: 

“Culture doesn’t matter where it is from, it’s still ours, it’s part of who we are, it’s part of how we share and I love being part of that.” 

This holiday luncheon is a reminder that when communities come together, traditions thrive, friendships grow, and no one feels alone.