Hesquiaht opens new health clinic

Page 10

The community of Hot Springs Cove was bustling with activity during the last week of July as preparations were made for the grand opening celebration of the long awaited health clinic.

Hesquiaht hereditary chiefs, council and community members joined Health Minister Allan Rock for the official opening. Several boats and planes brought in guests to be welcomed by Hesquiaht beach keeper, Lawrence Paul.

Hesquiaht chief councillor, Cecil Sabbas acknowledged the many people that played a part in the construction of the beautiful building. He also acknowledged artist Mark Mickey and Len Tom for the carved entrance posts.

The new building will house the clinic as well as Hesquiaht's administrative offices. It replaces a small, water-damaged, black mold-contaminated house that served as the clinic for about 20 years.

After cutting the cedar bark ribbon to open the clinic, Chief Matlahoa presented a carved mask created by Mark Mickey, along with smoked salmon, to the minister, who had presentations of his own to make.

Commemorative plaques were given to representatives of three Nuu-chah-nulth Nations that built new clinics-Chief Richard Tate of Ditidaht, Chief Councillor Larry Baird of Ucluelet, and Chief Matlahoa of Hesquiaht.

The community of Hesquiaht was presented with a Tim Paul framed print. Minister Rock explained that Health Canada commissioned the print, which depicts the ancient Nuu-chah-nulth art of canoe making, an art, he said, 'that allowed us to tame and travel the ocean.'

Before breaking for lunch, Minister Rock acknowledged the community nurses who recently won the 2001 Health Advocacy Award from the Registered Nurses Association of BC for their culturally appropriate service delivery in Nuu-chah-nulth communities.

"We are proud of BC coastal nurses for being given this very special award," said Rock.

Guests were invited to tour the new facility before being invited to lunch and the ever-popular dance performances of the Hesquiaht elementary school students.