New centre opens doors

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The opening of the new Beaver Lake Health Centre south of Lac La Biche is giving Elders on the reserve a positive beacon of light to guide its residents.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held at the centre Thursday, Sept. 4, with staff members and Elders from Beaver Lake and neighboring First Nations gathered in the main entrance of the building - a modern-looking structure, with a brightly lit interior and an attractive exterior ranch-style design.

Officials on the reserve estimate that the federally-funded health centre is worth between $250,000 and $280,000.

Beaver Lake councillor Gabe Gladue said the new building is a stepping stone for more facilities to open up on First Nations and provide a better infrastructure for the children of the communities who will be the leaders of tomorrow. The importance of having a skilled and competent younger generation will be paramount to the health centre's future success, explained Gladue. With them, he said, the reserve will be able to plot its course with confidence.

"If we are looking to succeed in operations like this, then we will have to have our younger generation educated," he said. "In the future, these places will be run by the First Nations, and I'm pleased to see the young generation taking part in this opening."

Visiting Saddle Lake Elder Joe P. Cardinal said the opening of the centre is one of the greatest things to happen on the reserve.

"It's important that all people feel healthy in mind, body and spirit - this [facility] will be shared by all," he said.

Frog Lake First Nations Elder Pete Waskahat agreed that the time is approaching when Aboriginal people should start taking a bigger step towards self operations.

"It's about time now, as First Nations people, to run our own things," he commented. "There are now enough people with experience in the First Nations to run things."

Philip Cardinal, an Elder and resident who grew up on the Beaver Lake reserve, said that he hoped with the opening of the health centre, the troubles of the past and present can be resolved.

"Years ago, our Elders were good friends, they gathered together, and when they saw each other they shook hands," he said. "It's something we've lost along the way. It was once that way - I've seen it here."

Pointing to his chest, he said that the community "needs to heal inside - the change has to come from inside.We should never forget the higher powers."

The opening of the health centre was held during an Elders' conference in Beaver Lake. Elders were in the community to take part in the four-day session, addressing regional and local concerns.