The proposed site where the Nicawicikanisihk Wellness Centre will be built. (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

By Ben Tompkins

Five-year operational plan

James Smith Wellness Centre operational plans complete

May 28, 2024 | 5:00 PM

The community of James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) has made yet another big step towards the construction of its new Wellness Centre.

After the culmination of two years of work, the James Smith Wellness Planning Committee has completed the centre’s five-year operational plan.

“We are proud to say our leadership, directors, and staff have done exemplary work in completing the five-year operational plan for Nicawicikanisihk Wellness Centre. It will be a space for healing and community gatherings,” said JSCN Chief Kirby Constant. “We are now looking to turn the vision over to architects to design the multi-purpose building.”

The plan is focused on existing and future programming centred on trauma, addiction, grief, and wellness therapies, with an emphasis on promoting healthy lifestyles.

All that is currently on JSCN is a small wellness room in the Bernard Constant Community School (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

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According to Randy Constant, who is the current Director of Education for the East Central First Nations Education Authority, and was heavily involved in the five-year operational plan as an interagency, trauma response is still the most important aspect, following the tragic incident of September 4th.

“Absolutely, we are all in different spaces and we still deal with our community as ground zero. With that comes the opportunity to address supports, whether they’re intensive or universal. The community and committee have sat down and created opportunities as to how we can support one another and how we can support those who require more intensified needs,” he told northeastNOW.

“At the end of the day, hopefully, when we get through all of this, we will be trauma-informed and we will be trauma-sensitive in our programming and in our support so that our nation will be able to get on the other side of all of this.”

The plan for the centre includes rooms for diverse counselling, including registered psychologists, Indigenous culture-based health practitioners, trauma counselling, grief support, addiction support, and more.

A large room will also be designated for community gatherings, feasts, funerals, trade shows, weddings, and more, as without a community hall, JSCN currently relies on the school gym.

“Nicawicikanisihk is a Cree word that means the good growing place,” added Chakastaypasin Chief Calvin Sanderson. “We know that the wellness plan will strengthen generations to follow and we look forward to healing and helping our people now and in the new building.”

Another part of the five-year operational plan is that Sakwatamo Lodge will be renovated as a community detox site for pre-treatment, post-treatment, and outpatient care.

Sakwatamo Lodge. (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

The lodge, which was previously managed by Prince Albert Grand Council, has been renamed Akameyimok Lodge, which translates to ‘carrying on and being resilient’.

“The wellness project lays the foundation and pathway for members at large to be a part of the programming when it comes to addressing supports relating to addictions and relating to trauma,” Constant continued.

The five-year operational plan will now be submitted to the federal government, fulfilling the first step required in the funding agreement between JSCN and Indigenous Services Canada.

Back in November of 2022, Canada allocated $42.5 million over five years to JSCN. The funding includes $22.7 million for programs, $10.1 million for recapitalization, and $9.6 million for constructing a wellness centre and renovating existing buildings.

The planning committee included Chiefs, Band Councils, Elders, Margaret Turner Health staff, Indigenous Services Canada, and JSCN program directors, along with numerous survey responses from community members.

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