The new and upcoming Gitxsan Wet'suwet'en Primary Care Centre in Old Hazelton has a name. Chosen by the project's cultural committee, the centre is called: Wilp D'mootxw – Nec'a Yikh, The Healing House. The name represents the Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en communities that the primary care centre will serve as well as incorporating the principle of Ama Xhaldax – which means Good Medicine. This new primary care centre will serve the communities of Gitanyow, Gitwangak, Gitsegukla, Gitanmaax, Kispiox, Sik-e-dakh, Hagwilget and Witset in northwest BC.

Now that the Healing House has a name, the next step is to create a logo and we're calling out to Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en artists for designs. The logo design must be representative of the Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en and include the name of the centre as well as the Good Medicine principle. The logo will be used in a variety of ways and will represent not only the Healing Centre but also the communities that it will serve. The winner of the contest will receive $1,500 and four runners-up will receive $125 each. The deadline for submission is April 20.

More information about the contest can be found here.

Wilp D'mootxw – Nec'a Yikh is being built and operated under the First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative (FNPCI). The initiative aims to improve access to primary health care services, as well as the health and wellness of First Nations people across BC in a way that is culturally safe and closer to home. The FNPCI will see 15 First Nations Primary Care Centres (FNPCC) put into operation across the province with three in each region of the First Nation Health Authority (FNHA).

FNPCCs will be different from other primary care centres in that they integrate traditional First Nations wisdom and knowledge on health and wellbeing along with Western clinical practices. FNPCCs may include spaces for traditional wellness and First Nations practices and customs.

For more information about FNPCI go to this link.

Wilp D'mootxw – Nec'a Yikh is also happy to announce that Dr. Sara Keshavarz-Moqadam is joining the team as the mental health clinician and senior clinical counselor.

Here is Dr. Keshavarz-Moqadam introducing herself:

Dr. Keshavarz-Moqadam is originally from northern Iran and will be offering counselling services at the Healing House. Dr. Keshavarz-Moqadam says she looks forward to spending one week a month in Hazelton, saying the location reminds her of the natural beauty and wilderness of northern Iran. 

Dr. Keshavarz-Moqadam has a profound interest in supporting First Nations youth and hopes to help the community with their mental health. She will begin providing services starting on March 24.