Thunderchild opens new health centre

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Thunderchild First Nation recently took a major step into the future with the grand opening of their new health centre, a multi-purpose complex that took just six months to build, but several years to plan.

The presiding council of Elders and health officials made sure the May 28 opening ceremonies for the new state-of-the-art building were kept strictly traditional, with a strong focus on spiritual and cultural solidarity within the community.

The early morning pipe offering and ground blessing took place in a healing lodge set up on the front lawn of the new health centre, which was officially declared open after the prayers and flag raising.

Officials, staff members and visitors were then treated to a luncheon, a mini-powwow and tours of the new facilities, which included a visit to the old health building, a Doug Cardinal design. It has since been transformed into a new cultural centre for Elders and community outreach for Aboriginal youth.

"We are all here to help celebrate the opening of these multi-purpose offices for health, welfare and daycare," explained health official Fred Thunderchild.

"And we are especially proud of the new daycare facilities, that can take between 17 and 22 infants and children, and our new community hall on the lower level, designed for larger events like round dances and public meetings."

Residents seemed to be impressed by the new health complex, which is well laid out and beautifully decorated in tones of sage green and rose, as well as being highly functional and professional.

The tour included a well-appointed boardroom, comfortable interviewing rooms for family counseling, offices for home care, social development and addictions, a nursing station, pharmacy, medical examination room, massage therapy centre and a dental clinic for the new therapist and hygienist.

The High Noon Singers opened the powwow with a honor song and grand entry and then provided the drum music for dancers chosen to represent the grass, traditional, fancy, jingle and tiny tots categories.

A round dance and feast, held the following evening, completed festivities surrounding the new centre, one that Fred Thunderchild said, had been highly anticipated and much needed by the people in the community.

"This is very special for us, something that brings the community closer together. These people have something to be proud of."