Support line for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people:
For immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. You can also access long-term health support services, such as mental health counselling, community-based emotional support, cultural services, and some travel costs to see Elders and traditional healers.
December 13, 2022 - Witset First Nation, British Columbia - Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Today, Chief Barry Nikal from the Witset First Nation and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown−Indigenous Relations, announced the launch of the Witset Youth Healing Lodge Project. The Government of Canada will provide $3,826,659 through the Cultural Spaces in Indigenous Communities Program (CSICP) towards this project.
The Witset Youth Healing Lodge Project will develop a new building that will provide a safe and accessible healing space for both Wet'suwet'en and other Indigenous youth from Northern British Columbia. The new Lodge will be situated on the territory stewarded by the Tsee K'al K'e Yex (House on a Flat Rock) of the Laksilyu (Small Frog Clan) of the Wet'suwet'en-speaking people in the community of Witset, BC.
The healing lodge will serve, guide and empower Indigenous youth of all gender expressions from the ages of 12 to 29, especially women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people. The Witset Youth Healing Lodge will also provide a holistic approach to wellness and serve as a culturally safe space for youth to heal from mental health problems, addictions, trauma, and other challenges. The healing lodge will use support and the sharing of traditional culture, life skills, recreation and community connection to provide youth with tools to strengthen their mental, spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. Elders and other Knowledge Keepers will also help provide support and pass on knowledge and life skills. The healing lodge will also feature a learning centre for arts and crafts, storytelling, and language learning, as well as land-based cultural activities, plant and medicine harvesting and a ceremonial space.
Investing in cultural spaces is crucial to addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. This transformative program will also support Indigenous Peoples in reclaiming their identity as part of their journey towards self-determination, which is a crucial step in advancing reconciliation and building relationships between Indigenous Peoples, governments, and all Canadians.
