DAKELH TERRITORY | FORT ST. JAMES -  People, families and Elders living in the Nak’azdli, Tl’azt’en and Binche communities near Fort St. James have improved access to culturally safe primary care and traditional wellness services with the opening of the Dadzi Wellness Centre. 

”The Dakelh, Carrier, and Sekani people who live in this area finally have access to a clinical practice that goes beyond modern medicine. The wholistic model understands health as a physical, mental, and spiritual way of being and knowing,” said Crystal French, Vice-President of Northern Region. 

With a foundational commitment to “No Barriers to Care,” the Centre combines Western clinical practices with First Nations knowledge to deliver wholistic health care closer to home.   

"Our model of care is built on the strength of our history," said Donald Prince, operations director. "By weaving our traditional teachings into a team-based medical environment, we are ensuring that our people receive care that recognizes their identity and removes the obstacles that have historically kept them from wellness." 

The Centre is open at 160, Stuart Drive. The centre extends its delivery of care through the Nak’azdli Health Centre, 100 Kwah Rd. E., and Tl'azt'en Community Health Services, 4676 Tlazten Main, Tache 1.   

Community care by and for First Nations people

The project is community-led by and for the Dak’elh people. The region’s Bah’lats system of government ensures transparency of economic, political and spiritual decisions. There are nine protocols that will guide operations including respect, responsibility, obligation, compassion, balance, wisdom, caring, sharing and love.   

The facility will attach approximately 1,250 patients to a primary care provider. Clients can access a wide range of integrated services, including primary care, maternal health and traditional wellness and healing.  

“Our vision at the FNHA is to support healthy, self-determining and vibrant First Nations children, families and communities in B.C.,” said Monica McAlduff, CEO, FNHA. “With the support of health-system partners, First Nations communities and municipalities in B.C., we can continue our shared journey towards a culturally safe and sustainable health-care system that meets the needs of First Nations in B.C."  

As hiring progresses, people will receive culturally safe care from more than 17 FTE health-care providers, including family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, mental health professionals, occupational therapists, Elders, traditional healers, traditional food advisors, Indigenous navigators and social workers. The clinical staff will be supported by additional non-clinical team members.  

Collaborative approach to care 

The clinic is funded through a partnership between the First Nations Health Authority and the Ministry of Health and supported by Dak’elh partners. As part of the First Nations Primary Care Initiative, the centre is one of three First Nations Primary Care Centres that will support communities in the Northern region.   

“We are committed to working with partners, in community and across the province, to remove barriers to care experienced by Indigenous Peoples,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The new Dadzi Wellness Centre combines Western clinical practices with First Nations knowledge to deliver holistic health care closer to home. We recognize what this means for the communities near Fort St. James, and we are excited about the impact it has on accessible care in British Columbia.”  

Quick Facts:  

• ​​Dadzi Wellness Centre is part of the First Nations-Led Primary Health Care Initiative, which aims to develop up to 15 First Nations-led Primary Health Care Centre (FNPCCs) in rural centres and urban locations across BC. 

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