The Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter in Dawson Creek has a new operating partner, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association. The centre, a long-standing space for urban Indigenous families and community members, has been active in Dawson Creek for over five decades. Stacey Bourque, the manager of the association, presented findings from a recent assessment of community concerns to the city council. Bourque emphasized the need to bridge gaps in care for vulnerable individuals, including those struggling with addiction, while also addressing public intoxication and substance use issues raised by the community.
Consultations have been conducted with various stakeholders, such as the city, RCMP, Northern Health, South Peace Community Resources Society, and local businesses. The association is developing a formal complaint system and mitigation strategy with a focus on community safety and support for homeless individuals. Bourque highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering better relationships within the community, particularly with local businesses facing challenges.
Additionally, efforts are underway to collaborate with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society to secure more housing options for those in need, aiming to provide comprehensive assistance and reduce homelessness. Bourque stressed the necessity for additional services to tackle addiction and housing insecurity in Dawson Creek, mentioning the shortage of housing and mental health support compared to larger urban areas.
The Nawican Friendship Centre is seeking approval for a temporary relocation of the shelter, which could potentially increase the number of beds from 17 to 24 while addressing community concerns. Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the association’s responsiveness to community feedback and acknowledged the positive impact of recent changes. The ongoing collaboration between the association and local authorities reflects a commitment to enhancing community support and addressing pressing issues effectively.