History of the All Nations Healing House
The All Nations Healing House in Williams Lake is the first of its kind in the Interior Region and the first net new First Nations Led Primary Care Initiative. The Healing House offers excellent, culturally safe, integrated primary health care services for First Nations within the Williams Lake area, including 15 First Nations communities. This Nation-led primary care initiative is a culmination of many years of work and strong partnerships between the First Nations Leadership of the Dãkelh Dené Nation, Secwépemc Nation, Tŝilhqot’in Nation, the FNHA, and the Ministry of Health.
The centre serves the needs of the First Nation and Indigenous people and families in the Williams Lake area and the 15 communities of the Secwépemc, Tŝilhqot’in, and Dãkelh Dené Nations.
Background
In July 2018, a meeting was held between First Nations Health Authority CEO, Interior Health CEO and the First Nations Leadership of the Northern Secwépemc, Tŝilhqot’in, and Dãkelh Dené Nations where agreement was reached to develop a proposal for a First Nations Wellness Centre in Williams Lake. Discussions were held prior to the July 2018 agreement to identify how the Cariboo Memorial Hospital could improve cultural safety in services provided to First Nations.
In the end it was decided that a net new initiative would be the best solution to address the long standing concerns First Nations experienced with Williams Lake health services. A follow-up meeting was held in August 2018 with FNHA, community health directors and technicians where support for the project was demonstrated and concepts for the All Nations Healing House were expressed.
