Vitalité Health Network inaugurates a new gathering place for First Nations in Campbellton
Campbellton, December 8, 2017 – Vitalité Health Network has inaugurated its First Nation Family Room to better serve First Nation community clients and engage family members from the Campbellton area and surrounding communities.
From left to right: Ann LaBillois, Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program Consultant, Eel River Bar First Nation; Robert Pictou, Aboriginal artist; and Nora LaBillois, Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program Consultant, Eel River Bar First Nation
According to Gilles Lanteigne, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network, First Nations are an integral part of our Network, and one of the policy directions set out in our 2017-2020 Strategic Plan is to provide them with continuous primary health care services as close as possible to their homes. “The Network was able to dedicate this space located at the Campbellton Addiction Services thanks to a financial contribution totalling $2,800 from the Department of Health as well as donations from the Eel River Bar and Listuguj First Nation communities and personal donations of artifacts and symbolic objects from First Nation people,” Mr. Lanteigne explained. “The First Nation Family Room will be a place of healing, a place where Indigenous people can identify with their culture, heritage and language.”
This project was made possible thanks to the co-operation of the Eel River Bar and Listuguj First Nations who are very interested in leading and assisting with this long-term partnership. “This room will help Indigenous clients return to their roots and focus on their strengths and beliefs. It will also encourage the involvement of family members in treatment, create new partnerships in both communities and share resources. This room decorated with artifacts, artwork and symbolic objects representing Indigenous people will provide a peaceful, private gathering place,” explained Gino Mallais, Manager of Addiction Services in Campbellton.
“On behalf of the Listuguj and Eel River Bar First Nations, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project and made it possible. The First Nation Family Room represents a meaningful step towards reconciliation and collaboration in our region. It recognizes that our people may benefit from a more culturally-relevant approach to healing and recovery. All the time that was invested in this project is greatly appreciated,” stated Chief Darcy Gray from the Listuguj First Nation.
