łighè Tr’ëdätr’ëhòh’ay 

łighè Tr’ëdätr’ëhòh’ay is a Kaska phrase, which means “We Work Together”. Thank you for signing up to receive newsletter updates. This newsletter is meant to provide subscribers with project updates, to announce milestones when achieved, and to maintain a line of communication with neighbours.

Your comments and questions are welcome at any time. Please reach out to CYFN with any queries or to share your thoughts. Our contact information is indicated at the bottom of this email.

Please see below for our June 2023 newsletter:

 Groundbreaking Ceremony 

May 17, 2023, marked a significant milestone in our journey towards providing support and empowerment to families in need. 
 
The groundbreaking ceremony was a vibrant celebration of culture and unity. Linda Harvey, a Kwanlin Dun First Nation (KDFN) Elder renowned for her drumming and singing captivated the audience with story and song. She led the ceremonial blessing procession around the perimeter of the property followed by Elders Anne Smith of KDFN and Betsy Jackson of the Ta’an Kwach’an Council (TKC). Honoring our deep spiritual connection to the land, the Elders spread ashes around the perimeter of the property invoking blessings upon the land and all those involved in the project. This ritual served as a powerful reminder of the significance of the Centre as a beacon of safety and healing. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of unity, resilience, and hope, as attendees immersed themselves in the rich cultural practices.
 
Over 100 guests attended the ceremony including Grand Chief Peter Johnston, Minister Tracy McPhee, Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, Chief Sean Smith & Elder William Carlick (KDFN), and Chief Amanda Leas (TKC). Speakers emphasized the importance of the Centre and its role in filling a significant gap within the emergency housing network in the Yukon and in fostering a community built on compassion and support. Their words resonated deeply, fueling the collective determination to create a brighter future for all. 
 
As we reflect upon the groundbreaking ceremony for the Centre, we are reminded of the power that lies within a united community. Together, we are forging a path towards a more inclusive and compassionate community, where families in need can find sanctuary, support, and resources.  
 
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this momentous event with special recognition to Chief Diane Strand who planned the ceremonial aspects of the groundbreaking in collaboration with members of our Elders advisory committee, Dän Agahjel Shäw (Original Important Women):  Shirley Adamson, Adeline Webber, Roberta Auston, and Dianne Smith. We also want to recognize William Carlick for tending of the sacred fire. Your unwavering dedication, whether through your presence, words, or actions, has paved the way for a brighter future. Let us continue to work hand in hand, transforming dreams into a reality and building a community that uplifts and protects its members. 

 Construction Update 

• Construction fencing has been erected and the site has been cleared and grubbed in preparation for site grading 
   
•  Excavation and earthwork for the centre of the building is complete and starting to work on the outside wings
   
• The retaining wall along the back of the site is being built
   
• Site office and trailers will be brought to site within the next few weeks once temporary power is available

 Shelter Tours 

Shandell McCarthy, Director of the Family Preservation Wellness Centre, toured four shelters between June 6th and the 13th. Why did we tour other shelters? Touring other shelters provides an opportunity to engage with experienced Directors and support staff to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day operational aspects of running a shelter. We also learn about their policies, procedures, protocols, and programming, which will inform our own approach in these areas. Visiting other shelters gives us valuable knowledge and insight into best practices and potential challenges that may require future planning and mitigation. This firsthand experience can help us tailor our Centre's programming to better meet the needs of those accessing our programs and services. Additionally, we can establish support networks with other shelters and create opportunities for collaboration, ultimately strengthening the support available to clients and ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to addressing their unique challenges and needs. Where did we tour?

1. On June 6th, 2023, Shandell visited the "Lurana Shelter," an urban first-stage emergency shelter that provides a safe and secure refuge to women and their children experiencing violence. Ms. Taylor Munro, the Team Leader, kindly spent her time explaining the various ways they support their families and describing the unique challenges they face. Key takeaways: a) Care and compassion are paramount, b) Self-empowerment is crucial for eventual independence, c) Creating a team environment among staff is key to success.
    
2. On June 7th, 2023, Shandell visited "Jessie's House" in Morinville, Alberta—a rural community just outside Edmonton. Ms. Marla Poelzer, the Executive Director, served as an excellent tour guide and will be a valuable resource for our Centre going forward. Jessie's House is a first-stage, 35-bed emergency shelter that serves all genders and their children. We particularly noted their warm and homelike environment and comprehensive programming for children, youth, and adults focused on healing and gaining independence. Key takeaways: a) Avoid overwhelming clients, b) Follow a client-led process, c) Support clients by honoring their identity.
    
3. On June 8th, 2023, Shandell visited "Wings of Providence," also known as "Wings." Wings is a second and third-stage women and children's shelter located in Edmonton-South. Debbie Gregg, the Community Engagement Officer, and her colleague Cheri Antoniuk were very gracious and informative. As we are in the initial planning stages for developing a second-stage shelter, touring this shelter provided practical insights into facility design and programming supports that we may want to consider. Key takeaways: a) Healing and rebuilding are the primary focus at this stage, b) Provide the essential building blocks for moving toward independence, c) Create a sense of ownership and empowerment. 
    
4. On June 13th, 2023, Shandell visited the Dawson Women's Shelter in Dawson City, Yukon. Jen Gibbs, the Executive Director, and Crickett Wilder, the Program Coordinator, provided a rural Yukon context. Meeting with Jen and Crickett helped us understand specific issues and challenges in Yukon, which will inform our advocacy approach to pan-Yukon issues affecting emergency shelters. Dawson Women's Shelter serves women and children exclusively but does an exceptional job of engaging the community through outreach and drop-in programs and services. Key takeaways: a) Collaboration with other jurisdictions is invaluable as a shelter in the north, b) Community outreach can take fun and creative forms, c) Accommodating staff needs and fostering a team environment contribute to staff wellness and longevity.

We would like to express our gratitude to each of the shelters that opened their doors to us.

Check out the project website and sign up for the project update list!

www.cyfn.ca/wellnesscentre

For more information please contact:

Shandell McCarthy
Family Preservation Wellness Centre Director
876-393-9200 ext 9277
Shandell.McCarthy@cyfn.net