Integrating Ancestral Knowledge with Institutional Health
The San José Hospital of Casablanca (HSJC) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening the connection between institutional health and ancestral wisdom. This project not only recognizes the significance of traditional knowledge but also incorporates the use of lawen—the medicinal plants and herbs traditionally valued by the Mapuche people—into a collaborative effort with the Mapuche community of We Folilche Amuleaiñ. On a day marked by respect and appreciation for ancestral knowledge, the hospital inaugurated its intercultural space dedicated to lawen this Tuesday.
The ceremony commenced with a Llellipun, a traditional Mapuche ritual led by Lonko Iván Coñuecar Millan, which serves to bless the new space and the lawen that will be integrated into it. Following this spiritual act, the official inauguration underscored the importance of advancing healthcare that acknowledges the cultural diversity of the territory and fosters dialogue between Western medicine and ancestral practices.
Promoting Mental Health and Community Wellness
According to Horacio López, the director of HSJC, this initiative represents a significant milestone for the hospital and its relationship with the community. “For our hospital, this is a very meaningful event, as it allows us to progress towards a healthcare model that not only centers on individuals but also honors their history, culture, and knowledge. We aspire for this space to be alive, co-created with the community, grounded in mutual respect and learning,” he stated.
The initiative emerged from a collaborative effort between the Health Promotion and Mental Health departments of the hospital and the Mapuche community, emphasizing the concept of Küme Felen, which translates to a holistic pursuit of well-being and balance for individuals, their communities, and their environments from a Mapuche worldview. A key component of the project is the nurturing of lawen within the hospital's greenhouse, facilitating the preservation and valorization of various species traditionally utilized by the Mapuche culture.
López further elaborated on the hospital's commitment to building enduring connections within the territory, stating, “As a family and community hospital, we are challenged to engage with the local population and establish lasting ties with those who are part of it. This space symbolizes precisely that: an opportunity to meet, listen, and acknowledge that there are knowledge and practices that can enhance the well-being of our community.”
The ceremony included guided tours of the new space, allowing officials, staff, community representatives, and guests to witness the efforts undertaken and the various species of lawen present. The event concluded with a display of lawen and a Kollagtun, a gathering that reinforced the communal spirit of the inauguration.
With this milestone, San José Hospital of Casablanca continues to bolster its family and community-centered care model, integrating interculturality as a tool for recognition, participation, and respect, while deepening collaborative work with organizations and communities in the area. “This is not just a physical space that we inaugurate today. It is also a signal of how we wish to relate to our community: with respect, participation, and open doors. We hope this collaboration continues to grow, and we can keep building it together,” concluded Director Horacio López.
As reported by g5noticias.cl.
