The NWT Council of Leaders Health and Social Services Working Group met last month to begin work to co-design an Indigenous Wellness Centre.
The gathered Indigenous government representatives, Elders, youth, and Indigenous health and social services professionals worked to develop a shared vision and principles that will guide work on the project.
“I hope the co-design will explore how the Centre can support health promotion and education, create pathways for more Indigenous people to work in health and wellness, and strengthen culturally grounded supports for Indigenous residents across the NWT,” said Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong.
The co-design process will allow Indigenous knowledge, cultures and priorities to help shape how care is designed and delivered, what services and supports are developed first, and how they will connect with existing health and social services.
“The Centre is about changing how wellness and care are designed, so Indigenous cultures, knowledge and ways of healing help shape the approach from the beginning,” said Minister Denny Rodgers.
The first phase of the project is expected to focus on wellness programming, cultural supports, navigation, outreach, and community connections, later expanding to strengthen connections with primary care and community-based programs.
The working group’s recommendations and a path forward for the wellness centre are expected to be delivered by summer of 2027.
