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Elders Program
About the Program
How to Get in Touch
Location:
10200 17 St, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4C2
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact:
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
- Group outings and excursions
- Card games, bingo, and recreational activities
- Friendship building and peer support
- Intergenerational events with youth and families
Cultural Knowledge Sharing
Honoring traditional knowledge and preserving cultural wisdom:
- Storytelling circles and oral history sharing
- Traditional teachings sessions
- Language sharing and conversation practice
- Cultural protocol and ceremony participation
- Medicine gathering and traditional plant knowledge
- Mentorship opportunities with youth
- Cultural advisory and consultation
- Recording and preserving Elder stories (with permission)
Traditional Arts & Crafts
Hands-on creative activities that celebrate Indigenous artistry:
- Beading circles and workshops
- Hide tanning and traditional leather work
- Drum making and maintenance
- Regalia creation and repair
- Basket weaving
- Traditional sewing and moccasin making
- Carving (wood, bone, antler)
- Sharing artistic skills with community members
Health & Wellness Support
Supporting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing:
- Wellness checks and health information
- Connections to health services and medical appointments
- Traditional healing practices
- Gentle exercise and movement activities
- Nutrition and healthy eating programs
- Mental health and emotional support
- Access to counseling services
- Referrals to specialized Elder care services
Navigation & Advocacy
Assistance accessing services and understanding systems:
- Support with government forms and applications
- Help navigating healthcare systems
- Pension and benefits information
- Housing support and advocacy
- Legal service referrals
- Translation and interpretation services
- Accompaniment to appointments when needed
- Information about Elder-specific resources and programs
Transportation Assistance
Ensuring Elders can access programs and essential services:
- Transportation to Nawican programs and events
- Support getting to medical appointments
- Assistance with grocery shopping
- Rides to cultural ceremonies and community gatherings
- Connections to community transportation resources
- Volunteer driver coordination
Resource Connections
Linking Elders with community supports and services:
- Emergency assistance programs
- Food security resources
- Home support services
- Financial assistance information
- Recreation and leisure programs
- Technology support and digital literacy
- Community event information
- Access to other Nawican programs
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 during our Elders Program 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.