ÎYÂRHE NAKODA – Skilee Dixon understands there are complex issues in her community that may require unique solutions.
That’s why the Bearspaw First Nation member and the Stoney Health Services team want to hear from the Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation community on programming for the health authority’s adult wellness centre, set to launch in October.
“I think it’s going to be a really successful program with a lot of the community’s input,” said Dixon, manager of the Stoney Adult Wellness Centre. “Coming into this position, I’m going to make sure that we incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, we’re going to incorporate Stoney Nakoda culture and ceremony.”
The facility, located near the Goodstoney Elders Lodge in Mînî Thnî, will be open to members of the community aged 18 and older seeking treatment for substance abuse.
Dixon said an important part of finding success with the centre’s programming is ensuring people feel heard, which is a process that needs to start before the facility even opens its doors.
Stoney Health will be hosting a fourth public planning and information session about the centre and its programming at the Bearspaw Youth Centre on Wednesday (April 19). While the first three sessions were virtual, this one will be in-person and attended by Stoney Tribal Council leadership.
Dixon said others from outside the community are also welcome to attend and share valuable feedback.
“My expectation is to gain more value in understanding what people in the community want to see the facility’s programming look like,” said Dixon. “This centre is for them, their friends, family members – it’s important they help shape it.”
A wedû (spring season) feast will be part of the event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We decided with Stoney Health and leadership that we would also feed the people, because that’s just what First Nations people do,” said Dixon. “They are sharing their feedback with us and we in return are respecting their time for coming out.”
The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. The position covers Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Country.
