Partnership with First Nation Communities


Homewood Health developed Ravensview in close partnership with local first nation communities. Homewood and the Pauquachin First Nation worked together along with support from other Saanich First Nations to allow Homewood to purchase the Ravensview site and provide the opportunity to return culturally-sacred lands to the Pauquachin First Nation as heritage for all Saanich Nations. Homewood is committed to respecting and sharing the story of these lands and working with Saanich First Nations to promote the important cultural heritage of its location and to providing culturally competent care.

'A place of refuge'


Homewood Ravensview is located atop a stunning mountain top surrounded by trees and a 180 degree view of mountains and the ocean. But there is more to this location than just its natural beauty and serenity. It is a location that is sacred to the Saanich people and has been linked to their stories and history for thousands of years; local elders have passed down the story of the Great Flood in the region and the ancestors who survived it.

During the flood, thought to have occurred over 10,000 years ago, the ancestors sought refuge at the top of the highest mountain. The ancestors tied their canoes to an arbutus tree atop the mountain to survive the flood. After many days, a raven arrived and brought a symbol of hope - a twig - to the stranded people, showing that the flood had ended. Before they left the mountain, the ancestors gathered around and gave thanks. They said from now on this mountain will be called LÁU,WELNEW (meaning ‘place of refuge’) and they will be named WSÁNEĆ or the emerging people.

Homewood Ravensview is located on this mountain. We respect and appreciate the mountain’s sacredness to the Saanich people and we are inspired by this story as we provide a place of refuge for people seeking help.

Logo


The Homewood Ravensview logo was designed by Chris Paul, a respected Tsartlip Nation artist. The illustration is inspired by the Homewood Ravensview setting and references key elements of the story of the Great Flood including rising water, the mountain, and the raven.

The Story of the Land


The name Homewood Ravensview draws on the history of the mountain as a place of refuge and we are committed to honouring this location and the community with our mission to help and bring hope to people in need.

Collaboration Agreement with Saanich Nations


In July of 2022, Homewood Health announced a new milestone with the Saanich Nations by signing a collaboration agreement and installation of four Totem Poles at Homewood Ravensview on Vancouver Island. This groundbreaking event formalizes the deep-seated relationship Homewood Health shares with the Saanich Nations; one that dates back to 2015 when the Pauquachin First Nation collaborated on the development of Homewood Ravensview, the first and only facility in Western Canada offering private inpatient mental health services.

The signing of this collaboration agreement pledges Homewood Health’s commitment to ongoing support and collaboration with the Saanich people in four key areas:

  • recognition and celebration of their heritage;
  • educational opportunities;
  • employment; and
  • mental health and addiction services.

Since its inception in 2019, Homewood Ravensview has been pioneering the integration of indigenous culture and learnings in its programming, providing specially tailored treatment services to both local and indigenous communities.

Homewood Health commissioned the carving of four totem poles, each carved by an artist representing each of the four First Nations (Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tsartlip, and Tseycum Nations). These totem poles are prominently positioned at Ravensview’s entrance. This momentous cultural event deepens the integration and celebration of the First Nations’ history and culture in Ravensview’s foundation. The location is sacred to the “WSÁNEĆ Peoples and is linked to an epic story of refuge and hope dated over 10,000 years ago. This story has been passed down through generations of the “WSÁNEĆ Peoples, and Homewood Health views itself as joint guardians of ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ and its sacred history. This story lives on in Ravensview’s mission to be a place of refuge and healing for those in need.