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Elders Program
About the Program
The Elders Program at the Nawican Friendship Centre honors and supports our treasured knowledge keepers—the wisdom holders whose experiences, teachings, and traditions strengthen our entire community. We recognize that our Elders deserve respect, dignity, and meaningful opportunities to remain active and connected. Our program creates welcoming spaces where they can gather, share their knowledge with younger generations, participate in cultural activities, access support services, and build lasting friendships. If you’re an Elder looking for social connection, cultural engagement, or assistance navigating community resources, this program provides a safe and respectful environment where you are valued and celebrated.
How to Get in Touch
Location:
10200 17 Street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4C2
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact:
Reception
Email Address:
nbycc@nawican.ca
Phone Number:
Elders Services
Social Gatherings & Activities
Building community connections through regular gatherings and meaningful activities
- Weekly Elder drop-in sessions
- Coffee and conversation circles
- Seasonal celebrations and feasts
- Birthday and milestone celebrations
- Friendship building and peer support
- Card games, bingo, and recreational activities
- Intergenerational events with youth and families
Cultural Knowledge Sharing
Honoring traditional knowledge and preserving cultural wisdom
- Traditional teachings sessions
- Cultural advisory and consultation
- Mentorship opportunities with youth
- Storytelling circles and oral history sharing
- Language sharing and conversation practice
- Cultural protocol and ceremony participation
- Medicine gathering and traditional plant knowledge
- Recording and preserving Elder stories (with permission)
Traditional Arts & Crafts
Hands-on creative activities that celebrate Indigenous artistry
- Basket weaving
- Regalia creation and repair
- Carving (wood, bone, antler)
- Beading circles and workshops
- Drum making and maintenance
- Traditional sewing and moccasin making
- Hide tanning and traditional leather work
- Sharing artistic skills with community members
Health & Wellness Support
Supporting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being
- Traditional healing practices
- Access to counseling services
- Mental health and emotional support
- Nutrition and healthy eating programs
- Wellness checks and health information
- Gentle exercise and movement activities
- Referrals to specialized Elder care services
- Connections to health services and medical appointments
Navigation & Advocacy
Assistance accessing services and understanding systems
- Legal service referrals
- Housing support and advocacy
- Pension and benefits information
- Help navigating healthcare systems
- Translation and interpretation services
- Accompaniment to appointments when needed
- Support with government forms and applications
- Information about Elder-specific resources and programs
Transportation Assistance
Ensuring Elders can access programs and essential services
- Volunteer driver coordination
- Assistance with grocery shopping
- Support getting to medical appointments
- Transportation to Nawican programs and events
- Connections to community transportation resources
- Rides to cultural ceremonies and community gatherings
Resource Connections
Linking Elders with community supports and services
- Home support services
- Food security resources
- Community event information
- Financial assistance information
- Emergency assistance programs
- Recreation and leisure programs
- Access to other Nawican programs
- Technology support and digital literacy
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Elders Program welcomes Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members who identify as Elders. While we generally serve individuals aged 55 and older, we recognize that “Elder” is a title of respect earned through life experience and cultural knowledge, not just age. All services are provided free of charge.
Simply drop by at the Centre during office hours, give us a call, or send an email. There’s no formal registration required for most activities—just come in and join us! For programs requiring advance planning (like outings or special workshops), we’ll let you know how to sign up.
While our program has a special focus on supporting Indigenous Elders and honoring Indigenous knowledge, all Elders in our community are welcome. We believe that friendship and mutual respect bring us together.