A new First Nations Primary Care Centre in Fort St. James is combining Western medical care with Dakelh traditions to provide wholistic health services for the community. The Dadzi Wellness Centre has renovated a former educational building into a space that reflects local culture, incorporating Dakelh language and symbolism into its design.
Operations Director Donald Prince explains that the centre takes a whole-person approach, addressing trauma, addictions, family and work circumstances alongside medical needs. “People can know when they come here their needs will be met, not just handed a pill and sent away,” Prince said.
The Dadzi Wellness Centre offers both traditional wellness programs, like language classes and cultural practices, and modern services such as physiotherapy and dietician-led sessions. Rooms are thoughtfully named in Dakelh, including the waiting room, “huba ts’ilh-i” – meaning “where we wait for them,” and a private space called “dich’oh neni hunuzut-un,” or “place to give your mind a rest.”
The centre emphasizes a warm and welcoming environment, with art and decor reflecting the local community. Limited services are currently available. Residents of Fort St. James can learn more about programs or appointments by emailing DadziWellness@fnha.ca.
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