Regional Wellness
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.
Executive
The Vice-President is the Executive Member responsible for the Wellness portfolio.
Regional Wellness
The Regional Wellness Office advocates for and supports our Gwich’in participants within the region and other parts of Canada and the US in many areas including:
• housing;
• medical inquiries;
• personal and family issues;
• special needs;
• disabilities;
• residential school inquiries;
• child welfare and adoptions; plus
• assisting individuals in writing letters or short proposals.
The department also corresponds with local, regional and national health authorities on issues that may affect the Gwich’in.
We participate with the Beaufort Delta Regional Health and Social Services Department, Aurora College, Inuvik Interagency, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and other agencies and committees to promote health and wellness.
Social Emergency and Bereavement Assistance Programs
The Wellness Office manages the Social Emergency and Bereavement Assistance Programs. The Social Emergency Assistance is designed for individuals or families whose income is limited and who may be experiencing extreme hardship due to unmanageable circumstances. Application forms are available, the limit for individuals is $400 and for families $500. The Bereavement Assistance Program offers $1000 to families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The family coordinator (with approval from other family members) will receive the funds and it may be used for funeral, travel or feast costs. All applications are reviewed by the Executive.
Note: as of September 21, call Cheryl Wright at 867-777-7916 (alternatively, Gina at 7925)
Mackenzie Gas Project Impact Fund (MGPIF)
The GTC team consists of:
· the Vice President;
· the Chief Operating Officer;
· the Special Projects Manager; and
· a Consultant.
Phase 1 and 2 of the very intensive project has been completed with the joint Beaufort-Delta MGPIF planning group identifying priority project areas in Health and Social Services, Education, Culture and Language, and Justice.
A steering committee has been established with representatives from each community:
· Leeanne Nerysoo, Aklavik;
· Eileen Koe, Fort McPherson;
· Elaine Blake, Tsiigehtchic; and
· Herbert Blake, Inuvik.
The group established priorities such as:
· social wellness (alcohol and drugs & family and social dynamics);
· education and skills training;
· culture and language; and
· community and social infrastructure.
Regional 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. The leadership recognized that the issues 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 determined to 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.
GDC provided the two buildings (formerly warehouses), and the Nihtat Gwich’in Council provided the site. GTC then provided the funding to reassemble and insulate the buildings and complete all outside and inside work. The building is constructed to the latest national building code requirements with its own power generation, water and sewer facilities.
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.
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.
Residential Schools Resolution Health Support
A support worker half-time position has been implemented with funding from Heath Canada through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. The worker will provide assistance and logistical support to the Wellness Camp workshops and activities.
STAFF
(vacant), Manager
(vacant), Wellness Camp Executive Director, 867-777-7934
Marty Kunnizzi, Wellness Camp Maintainer (casual), 867-678-8191
Karen Mitchell, Residential Schools Support Worker, 867-777-7927
