The Nawican Friendship Centre and emergency homeless shelter in Dawson Creek have a new operating partner in the Aboriginal Housing Management Association. For over 50 years, the Nawican Friendship Centre has been a place for urban Indigenous families and community members to gather. Recently, Association manager Stacey Bourque presented findings from a six-week 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 issues related to public intoxication and substance use that have been raised by the community.
Consultations have taken place with various groups, including the city, RCMP, Northern Health, South Peace Community Resources Society, and local business owners. The association is working on developing a complaint system and mitigation strategy aimed at enhancing community safety and providing support for the unhoused. Bourque stressed the importance of building trust and improving relationships within the community, particularly with business owners facing challenges.
Efforts are underway to collaborate with the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society to secure additional housing for those in need, with a focus on offering comprehensive support services. Bourque highlighted the necessity for more services to tackle addiction and housing insecurity in Dawson Creek, noting the scarcity of housing and mental health resources in the community compared to larger urban areas.
In a bid to address community concerns and increase shelter capacity, the Nawican Friendship Centre is seeking a temporary use permit to relocate the shelter approximately 300 meters from its current site on 102 Avenue. The move could potentially raise the shelter’s capacity from 17 to 24 beds. Mayor Darcy Dober expressed gratitude for the association’s efforts in addressing the community’s issues and making positive changes based on feedback received in the past weeks.