Project Sectors
CONTEXT
The Skwlāx Wellness Centre project aims to expand and enhance the wellness services offered to the Skwlāx te Secwépemcúl̓ecw (STeS), a community deeply rooted in Secwépemc traditions and values. Located in the heart of the Skwlāx te Secwépemcúl̓ecw territory (on Quaaout 1 Reserve lands, nestled between Little Shuswap Lake and Shuswap Lake), the existing Wellness Centre has long been a vital resource, providing essential health and wellness supports to both on-reserve and off-reserve community members. However, as the needs of the community have grown, so too has the vision for a more inclusive, culturally integrated, and accessible facility. The expanded Skwlāx Wellness Centre will go beyond traditional health services to include spaces dedicated to holistic wellness, such as areas for traditional healing practices, mental health support, family services, and cultural gathering spaces. The Skwlāx Wellness Centre will provide a wraparound approach to healthcare that will help serve as a bridge between the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of STeS. This addition and renovation will be key to fostering community connection, intergenerational knowledge sharing, and resilience within the community. The project will offer health services, wellness programs, and dedicated spaces for cultural practices, addressing the needs of band members, elders, youth, and families.
THE STUDY
The Feasibility Study for the Skwlāx Wellness Centre assessed and outlined the viability, design and operational framework needed to realize the project’s vision, aligning it with the specific wellness and cultural needs of Skwlāx te Secwépemcúl̓ecw. Key assessments include evaluations of healthcare services, staff facilities, and childcare provisions. Throughout the engagement sessions, staff members voiced the need for enhanced privacy, dedicated spaces for traditional medicine usage and storage, improved staff facilities, and expanded Head Start daycare capabilities. Additionally, technical assessments have informed studies on the site’s geothermal system, building condition, and sustainability, providing critical insights into infrastructure needs for future expansion.
The journey of the Skwlāx Wellness Centre has been designed to prioritize transparency, cultural respect, and community-led decision-making. Through our engagement process, community members and interested-stakeholders will have the opportunity to actively contribute to the centre’s design, functionality, and service offerings.
