Foundry East Kootenay is proud to announce the celebration of its first anniversary on Friday May 23. This milestone marks a full year of providing integrated health and wellness services for youth and young adults aged 12–24 in the East Kootenay.

The celebration, ʔu·kinmakut (to be one year) will take place at t̓ikxawiȼikimik Foundry East Kootenay, located at 822 10th Street South in Cranbrook, from 12 to 5 p.m. Community members, partners, and youth are invited to help us mark the milestone with food, live music, interactive activities, Foundry tours and more. A short ceremony and remarks will begin at 1 p.m.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of accessible, youth-friendly services in our region,” said Smokii Sumac, Cultural Lead at  t̓ikxawiȼikimik Foundry East Kootenay. “We’re so grateful to our community, partners, and to our youth for shaping this space into what it is today—a welcoming hub for support, connection, and hope.”

Since opening its doors in May 2024, t̓ikxawiȼikimik Foundry East Kootenay has offered free and confidential services including mental health and substance use support, Indigenous cultural support, primary care, peer support, and social services—all under one roof. The centre is operated by Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child & Family Services Society in partnership with Foundry BC and numerous local service providers.

More than 1,000 local youth have registered to access the many services offered through this vital community amenity. Most importantly, staff have accommodated over 3,000 visits ahead of the one-year anniversary, which means that we are seeing youth return, many more than once.

The May 23 event is a celebration of community collaboration and a testament to what’s possible when youth are placed at the centre of care. We look forward to celebrating with you. Open to all – youth, families, community partners, and the public.

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