Родина птиц открыла новый центр реабилитации для молодежи на севере Британской Колумбии

PHOTOS: Sq’éwqel Nation opens youth healing facility Published 5:30 am Thursday, July 16, 2026 It was a momentous day for the Seabird Island (Sq’éwqel) First Nation. The Agassiz-area First Nations community officially opened the home of the Thíytelh wellness program on Tuesday, July 12. Thíytelh is a new substance use, mixed-gender, bed-based treatment centre designed for Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people ages 19 to 26. Seabird Island is hosts the 90-day program in partnership with Fraser Health and the provincial government. “The program integrates Indigenous ways of knowing, cultural and land-based healing, and evidence-informed clinical care through a Two-Eyed Seeing approach to support healing and recovery,” according to literature on the Thíytelh program. Treatment includes land-based healing, clinical counselling, cultural teachings and life skills development. Thíytelh means “a place for young adults to heal their spirit” in Halq’eméylem. B.C. Minister of Health Josie Osborne (Mid Island-Pacific Rim) said she is proud to be part of a government supporting Indigenous-led healing and wellness initiatives. “It gives me a good feeling in my heart to know that so many people have come together in such a strong vision for supporting youth, particularly those who might fall through the gaps in a system that is still being built to support people in a way that is culturally grounded,” Osborne said. “It is incredibly inspiring to be here together with people from Fraser Health and the First Nations Health Authority, from the Nation and from (neighbouring) municipalities to be here together to celebrate this good work.” Sq’éwqel CAO Alexis Grace said there have been far too many young Indigenous people lost to the toxic drug supply and the untreated trauma and generational impacts of grief, pain and disconnection. “The creation of Thíytelh and these new treatment beds demonstrates that First Nations voices spanning the Fraser Salish region have been heard. Existing systems have not been designed to adequately support Indigenous young adults during one of the most vulnerable stages of life,” she said. “These beds help expand how we respond. We raise our hands to Fraser Health and the Ministry of Health for walking in partnership with us.” Fraser Health president and CEO Dermot Kelly said the Thíytelh program demonstrates what is possible when Fraser Health collaborates with First Nations communities on culturally appropriate care. “We are honoured to support this important program with Seabird Island and the Province, helping ensure young people can access care that respects their identity, upholds their dignity, and supports their long-term health and well-being,” Kelly stated. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who are willing to respectfully engage in cultural aspects of the Thíytelh program are welcome. Participation is voluntary and those who wish to be in the program must be medically stable at time of admission. The Thíytelh program is expected to start accepting referrals this month. Thíytelh is part of a larger expansion of mental health and substance use care across B.C. This includes more than 3,800 beds supporting people with substance use challenges, 879 of which are new since 2017.