Adams Lake Indian Band inaugurates Sexqeltqin Health Clinic in Chase

CHASE, B.C. — On Wednesday (Dec. 13), prominent community figures attended the grand opening of the Sexqeltqin Health Clinic, located on 6424 Village Road in Chase, established by the Adams Lake Indian Band.

The new facility will incorporate traditional and cultural healing approaches with comprehensive primary health care. Kukpi7 Lynn Kenoras-Duck Chief, council and elders attended the ceremony.

In partnership with the Secwepemc Nation, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Interior Health, the purpose of the primary care facility is to provide quality, professional and culturally safe healthcare services operated by the community.

Once fully operational in spring of 2024, community patients will have access to a wide range of medical professionals, such as a nurse practitioner, a mental health clinician, community health nurse, a case manager and others.

Other healthcare services include blood work, vaccinations, prescriptions, same-day appointments and counselling.

Another important sector of the clinic will be the Social Detriments Wellness and Child and Family Services. These will offer health and wellness programs in health and culture, child and family, social assistance and elder/youth services.

Kukpi7 Kenoras-Duck Chief highlighted the importance of improving health with locally-run resources.

“Earlier this summer, Adams Lake Band issued a statement of emergency on Primary Health care with respect to the services for our community,” said Kenoras-Duck Chief. “Primary care will enhance the life of our members as their routine healthcare requirements are met, fostering wellness and healing amongst our families, communities and kweseltken and those yet born.”

The vision for the project dates back to 2016, with previous and current Health and Wellness Directors, Shirley Anderson and Rhonda Camille, carrying on the initiative to where it is now.