Michele Taylor
Caledonia Courier
The Nak’azdli Whut’en Social Development centre, which first opened its doors in March, held its open house April 29. The building was opened with a traditional prayer song, performed by Jolene Prince.
Members of the community and Band Council attended the grand opening of the centre. Carl Leon, Social Services Councillor for the Nak’azdli First Nation, said the centre has been in the plans for a long time and will be a future place for the younger generation and foster parents to get assistance.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Leon said. “We are moving so quickly sometimes, we need to take time for the children, especially for the children of the future.”
The Nak’azdli Social Development team works to develop strengths in families and individuals through its programs.
Georgina Thomas, Administrator for Social Development, said the building with its conference room and two-bedroom living suite will be a welcome addition to the community. The building will house facilitators and various visitors for other departments; cutting some of the costs associated with staying in the community.
“When we have facilitators visiting … and all the departments like education and housing, if you’ve got somebody coming in they can stay here,” she said of the living quarters that are attached to the office space.
Thomas said there are a number of workshops coming up that will take place at the new centre such as EVA, an anti-violence workshop, she said there will also be a life-skills workshop and a traditional parenting workshop happening in May.
“We always have workshop happening,” she said. “It’s a beautiful space.”