The Aboriginal Housing Management Association has become the new operational partner for the Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter located in Dawson Creek. The Nawican Friendship Centre, a long-standing gathering place for urban Indigenous families and community members in Dawson Creek, has been in operation for over five decades.
During a meeting with the city council, Association manager Stacey Bourque presented findings from a recent assessment of issues and community concerns gathered over the past six weeks. Bourque emphasized the organization’s commitment to bridging gaps in care for vulnerable individuals, particularly those struggling with addiction, while also addressing community feedback regarding public intoxication and substance abuse issues.
Bourque highlighted the importance of addressing compassion fatigue within the community and mentioned consultations with various stakeholders, including the city, RCMP, Northern Health, the South Peace Community Resources Society, and local business owners. The Association is in the process of developing a formal complaint system and mitigation strategy to prioritize community safety and provide support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
To foster trust and enhance community relationships, especially with local businesses facing challenges, operational adjustments are being considered to improve community safety standards. Bourque mentioned that a framework for accountability is being drafted and will be shared with the city upon completion. Additionally, collaborative efforts with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society are underway to secure additional housing options and comprehensive support services for those in need.
Recognizing the need for more services to tackle addiction and housing insecurity in Dawson Creek, Bourque emphasized the deficiency in housing, mental health services, and substance abuse support in the area, attributing it to the community’s size and resource allocation disparities compared to larger urban centers.
Furthermore, the Nawican Friendship Centre is in the process of seeking a temporary use permit from the city to relocate the shelter approximately 300 meters from its current site on 102 Avenue. This move is anticipated to address community concerns effectively and potentially increase the shelter’s capacity from 17 to 24 beds.
Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the association and the city in addressing community issues and implementing beneficial changes based on community feedback. He commended the association for actively engaging with the community over the past six weeks to address their needs and concerns.