CKCHC site expands on Walpole Island

The Chatham-Kent Community Health Centres (CKCHC) celebrated their expanded site on Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) on May 1.

Located in the Thunderbird Plaza – just a stone’s throw away from the former site – the CKCHC Walpole Island site was designed by the community for the community.

“Every paint colour, art piece and room was handpicked and/or constructed by the WIFN community,” CKCHC officials stated in a press release.

“It was imperative that the site reflected the culture, language and traditional healing services of the Indigenous people. Therefore, the CKCHC directly collaborated with the source and those involved were, but not limited to, the WIFN Health Committee, Chief and Council, Kevin Martin and Associates, Danshab Enterprises, Three Fires Development Corporation, Elders, and other WIFN community members.”

Boasting a circle room that is accessible to community partners and members and a healing centre that accommodates ceremony, such as smudging, CKCHC officials say they are honoured to provide this new wholistic space.

“The Bkejwanong Community enjoys the new health facility with the added Healing Centre to compliment Traditional Healing methods,” stated Glenna Jacobs, CKCHC traditional healing community outreach worker.

“Community members who have visited the Health Centre are extremely surprised at the size of the once Grocery Store to Pharmacy. It is a well utilized space for upcoming medical professions providing health services for our community. Clients who have used the ‘Healing Room/Centre’ enjoy the comfort, setup, water fountain and private location.”

CKCHC officials say they look forward to building upon their services and leveraging future community partnerships in order to become a comprehensive health and wellness hub.

Sherri Saunders, CKCHC executive director, is thrilled that this expanded site has come to fruition and confirms that the CKCHC will continue to stay the course.

“Our site expansion on WIFN is a significant milestone in our evolution of the CKCHC with the support of Chief and Council, the WIFN community, Erie St. Clair LHIN, staff, partners and most importantly to the clients, families and community that we serve,” Saunders said in a press release.

“We uphold the commitment to our health services protocol with the WIFN community in advancing the health and wellbeing of our clients and the community.”

Anika Altiman, CKCHC clinical and client services manager, echoed Saunders’ sentiments.

“It’s exciting to have primary care within the community, particularly now with the space to collaborate on issues impacting Indigenous health. I’m thrilled to be a part the dialogue and its mobilization, with our clients, team and partners.”

For more information, visit: ckchc.ca


– Submitted photo

- Advertisment -