The Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter in Dawson Creek have appointed the Aboriginal Housing Management Association as their new operational partner. For over 50 years, the Nawican Friendship Centre has served as a community hub for urban Indigenous families and residents in Dawson Creek. Association manager Stacey Bourque recently presented findings from a comprehensive assessment of community issues and concerns gathered over the past six weeks to the city council.

Bourque emphasized the association’s commitment to bridging gaps in care for vulnerable individuals, particularly those grappling with addiction, while also addressing community grievances regarding public intoxication and substance abuse. The organization has engaged with various stakeholders, including the city, RCMP, Northern Health, South Peace Community Resources Society, and local businesses to develop a formal complaint mechanism and a mitigation plan aimed at enhancing community safety and providing support for the homeless population.

To foster trust and improve relationships within the community, especially with struggling business owners, Bourque highlighted the importance of implementing operational changes and establishing accountability frameworks. The association is collaborating with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society to secure additional housing options for those in need, with a focus on offering comprehensive assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction challenges in Dawson Creek.

Acknowledging the city’s shortage of housing options and mental health services, Bourque stressed the necessity of expanding services to tackle addiction and housing insecurities effectively. The Nawican Friendship Centre is also in the process of obtaining a temporary use permit from the city to relocate the shelter to a new site approximately 300 meters away from its current location on 102 Avenue. This move is expected to alleviate community concerns and potentially increase the shelter’s capacity from 17 to 24 beds.

Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the association’s efforts in actively addressing community concerns and making positive changes based on feedback received during the consultation period.