Gwich'in Wellness Camp

Wellness Program

Objective

One of the objectives of the Gwich’in Tribal Council is to develop and promote economic, social, educational and cultural programs that will enable the Gwich’in to become self-sufficient and full participating members in a global society.

RACHEL REINDEER WELLNESS CAMP

In response to the many social wellness issues in the region over the years, the GTC leadership established a Wellness Camp situated approximately 15 km from Inuvik on the East Branch of the Mackenzie River; also known as the Rachel Reindeer Camp. The Health & Wellness department was set up in 2004 to address a wide array of social and health issues of participants including addictions. In 2008, after considerable planning construction and development, the Wellness Centre was officially opened.

The leadership recognized that issues in and outside the GSA are complex and inter-related. Although it is understood that solutions and answers will only come about if there is integrated efforts among all partners who will address the root causes of the issues. The Elders and community members stressed the importance of having a place specifically for wellness, learning skills and celebrations and that the place must be on-the-land.

An Advisory Committee - comprised of community members with experience in the social and wellness field plus staff from the Beaufort Delta Health and Social Services Authority - has worked on a plan for programming and services with assistance from GTC wellness department staff. The GTC stresses the importance of local people directing and taking responsibility for the programs. Taking ownership ensures that there is a more personal sense of responsibility for all involved.

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RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL ISSUES ASSISTANCE

The Executive Director of the Camp is responsible for locating funds and setting up programs as directed in the Strategic Plan. Short term programs will include residential school and healing, grieving, life skills, anger and stress management, and programs specific to youth, women, men, elders. In the long term, the programs will be focused on addictions and family treatment. The facility is also available for rent to outside agencies.

He can assist people with residential school claims and issues, including:
     explain how to access federal support programs - Health Canada, etc.
     provide and help with filling out forms for CEP and Re-consideration process
     assist in filing Abuse Claims
     assist claimants with program correspondence in other jurisdictions with assistance from the Regional Office
     refer claimants to appropriate toll-free numbers or agencies
     if client consents, can make phone-calls on client's behalf to appropriate counselling agency and program offices for follow-up: find out status of claim, clarify what's needed, reasons for delays, etc.
     assist with issues related to identification documents and name variations.
     Explain and provide information relating to the Truth and reconciliation process.

Truth & Reconciliation Update - Northern National Event

On January 14, the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) established the Cultural and Programming Committee comprised of:
     Robert Watt, Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada;
     Victor Stewart, Gwich’in Tribal Council;
     Margaret McLeod-Norris, NWT Métis Association;
     Millie Jansen, Dene Nation;
     Wendy Smith, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation;
     Looee Okalik, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami;
     Dorothy Smith, Council of Yukon First Nations; and
     Theresa Etchinelle, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated

The TRC will hold northern hearings scheduled in 19 communities throughout the regions of Nunavik, Northwest Territories and the Yukon. The Tours will begin March 15 and end May 27. The TRC will be in Aklavik on May 12. In addition to the Northern Tours and the Northern National Event, there will be ongoing opportunities for survivors and communities to participate as the TRC process unfolds during the next four years. One way to do this is through the Community and commemorative events funding which can be obtained by going on-line to www.trc.ca.

PERSONNEL

Director of Wellness     MATILDA DEBASTIEN      777-7927     mdebastien@gwichin.nt.ca
Wellness Camp Maintainer     [vacant]     678-0702
Wellness Camp Maintainer     [vacant]     678-0702     

Gwich'inat Eenjit Gadatr'igwijilcheii Gidilii Gwich'in nan, nakhwek'yuu ts'at gwitr'it tth.dk nakhwidavee gwiheezaa eenjit