An Aklavik wellness building has been given a new name while offering a permanent space for residents to access healing, cultural and community programs.
“The development of the wellness building was driven by the growing need for more space and a permanent home for programs that have been essential to the community members,” said Rita Arey, sub-chief of the Aklavik Indian Band, which operates the Dii K’anahtii Zheh Wellness Building.
Dii K’anahtii Zheh means “caring house for everyone” in Gwich’in.
The band already provided wellness services from the building, but the renaming and opening rededicates it to its focus on health, healing, family wellness and community support.
The centre offers breakfast programs, cooking classes, workshops, family movie nights, Elders’ programming, cultural activities, anti-poverty supports, a food bank, social housing through the Northern Pathways to Housing program, an emergency shelter, a healing circle, and tipi talks.
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“The wellness centre belongs to the community,” said Arey.
“It’s a place where people can come for support, friendship, healing, learning and connecting.”
The Dii K’anahtii Zheh Wellness Building, which had its official opening on September 11, welcomes everyone in Aklavik, Arey said. Visitors from surrounding communities are also invited to participate in programming during the winter road season.
The band hopes the space will help families, youth and Elders build healthier lives while strengthening connections to culture and one another, Arey said.
Looking ahead, Arey said the band wants to offer additional cultural programs, land-based healing activities, youth and Elders’ camps, traditional skills workshops and year-round harvesting programs.
