On Friday, May 23, Kyle Shottanana, councillor and spiritual advisor with Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʾit, led a smudging ceremony through the Elkford Health Centre, including the recently opened Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).

The ceremony was held to cleanse the recently renovated space, bringing good medicine and healing to the entire site.

Throughout the development of the new UPCC, Interior Health (IH) worked alongside Ktunaxa Nation and Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) to integrate representation throughout the facility via language, art, and signage.

The main exterior Elkford Health Centre sign includes the Ktunaxa phrase Ya·kiⱡ ʔawumuʔtiⱡamnamki, which means ‘place to seek medical help.’ Artwork from various Ktunaxa artists was purchased to be displayed throughout the building, including a stunning beaded medicine wheel, which will hang at the front reception area.

A framed Métis sash was gifted by MNBC and will hang in the main waiting area.

A wall featured at the front entrance showcases ‘welcome’ in the many languages spoken by residents of the Elk Valley. The Ktunaxa language is featured and the wall also includes Michif (Métis language) and Inuktitut.

The project team worked with a local Inuk community member and language carrier to obtain the Inuktitut translation, which was important to include to represent the Inuit community in Elkford.

By working in partnership with local Indigenous Nations and community members, IH aims to support an environment that represents those receiving care services. We hope the new space will feel more welcoming and that clients will feel their culture reflected and respected in the physical spaces in which they receive care.

The UPCC, open seven days a week, is built into the existing Elkford Health Centre at 212 Alpine Way. The UPCC is co-located with other community health services, X-ray, and lab services.

The UPCC enhances health care in Elkford to offer urgent and same-day primary care appointments. People should visit the Elkford UPCC:

• when experiencing symptoms such as sore throat, injuries that limit movement, minor fevers, minor infections, upset stomach, short-term anxiety and mild to moderate depression; and
• when needing suture removal, wound checks and dressings, sexual health testing and information, substance use support, or social supports.

People can access the Elkford UPCC by phoning in to book an in-person appointment at 250-865-2247.

Walk-in appointments are also available.

Lead image:  Dr. Chantal Serwatkewich and Becca Britton, IH Indigenous partnerships lead, with artwork of a Kokanee salmon by Darcy Luke. Interior Health photos

Interior Health

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