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.

The Wellness Department has 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.

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.

Executive Director - 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.

STAFF

Victor Stewart, Wellness Camp Executive Director, 867-777-7915, 867-777-6477 (c)
Archie Inglangasuk, Wellness Camp Maintainer, 867-678-0702
(vacant), Residential Schools Support Worker, 867-777-7927