The Southside Health & Wellness Centre (SHWC) was celebrating its 20 years of service to the residents of Southside on Dec. 4.
The centre has served the Francois Lake since 2003.
Franz Nathaus, the chairperson of the board, said the centre’s journey started 20 years ago.
Chief Corrina Leween from Cheslatta Carrier Nation and former Chief Marvin Charlie were instrumental in helping bring the wellness centre to the Southside working with other agencies to get on board to make the centre a reality for community.
Since then, it is overseen by a board of directors representing each First Nations communities, Skin Tyee Nation, Cheslatta Carrier Nation, and Nee Tahi Buhn Band from the Southside community.
Northern Health Authority, Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) and First Nations Health Authority have partnered with the centre.
Nathus said the centre’s location at Grassy Plains was chosen as it is central and to serve everyone within the Southside, Ootsa Lake, Cheslatta community.
Nathus added that a doctor from the Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre comes to the centre every second Friday and another from CSFS every Wednesday; two nurses and three community representatives from the First Nation bands are working there.
Currently, the centre offers many programs such as stretch and strength, blood work, COVID-19 vaccine, mental health and addictions programs. Last month, they organized Movember, a men’s mental health care awareness program.
Charlotte Philipp has worked at the centre as an administrative assistant for 20 years since the centre’s grand opening in 2003.
Philipp said it’s been a blessing. Within 20 years, she had seen many people going through the health centre and children growing up, which has been a fantastic experience.
Philipp said they celebrated the day with a giant cake, coffee and many treats for patrons who dropped in at the centre. There were door prizes along with a photo presentation from different events hosted by the centre.
Patrons were asked to share their memorable stories and suggestions for the next 20 years celebration.
Lisa Puglas, Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre’s director and Nathaus attended the celebration.
Although it was the 20-year celebratory, Philipp said the day was quiet and business as usual.
