A crisp morning greets the young man as he crawls out of his tent.
As he walks the short distance to the main hall for breakfast, he reflects on the land and his heritage. He is a recovering addict and now being at peace in nature is helping him complete his transformation.
This is the underlying vision of Gwich’in Wellness Camp, a lifelong dream of many in the Beaufort Delta region. Thanks to a $5 million investment from the federal government, it’s finally possible.
“This is designed as a multi-purpose facility. Its design and focus is on the health of our Gwich’in people,” said Gwich’in Tribal Council Executive Director Ken Kaikawiczyk during an April 6 open house at the camp. and wellness.” Participants, as well as non-Gwich’in people from the Beaufort Delta region, can come here to improve themselves while reconnecting with the land.
“It’s healthy laughter, it’s storytelling, it’s sharing and enjoying each other’s presence. That’s what the land brings us, and whether you’re Gwich’in or not, the land is It brings us together as a people.”
While not a treatment facility per se, the camp’s purpose is to give people a place to stay after treatment and give them the tools they need to guide their own recovery, Kikavicik said. The main hall has been completely renovated and now features rooms that can accommodate up to 24 people, a commercial kitchen and an open conference hall. Outside the building, GTC purchased several yurts for camping and opened up the land behind the facility for further camping. In total, your site should be able to host up to 100 people comfortably. The camp, about 20 minutes’ drive south of Inuvik, is open to anyone in need of assistance.
Much of the renovation work was completed by Gwich’in contractors, many of whom moved south for their careers but returned to work on the project. Kikabichik said GTC hopes to bring skilled talent back to the area through projects such as wellness camps.
Kikabichik said that while the camp’s main focus is health and recovery, GTC is also considering other uses for the site, particularly a kitchen and camp facilities. Ideas being considered include renting the camp for weddings, creating “glamping” opportunities for tourists, and hosting community banquets.
This hall is also a kind of archive, with biographies of Elder Gwich’in, past and present, displayed throughout.
To help guests enjoy the area, GTC has invested in snowmobiles, ATVs, and amphibious vehicles that can navigate snow, ice, slush, dirt, and water. The new acquisition will provide year-round access to the camp, especially during the shoulder months when driving or boating is unsafe, and could also be a valuable asset in emergency situations.
First built in 2007 and historically known as Rachel Reindeer Camp, the facility had to close in 2014 after rising operating costs made it unsustainable. But now, GTC has installed a robust solar power system, allowing the camp to operate without diesel for most of the year.
“The biggest cost issue for this facility is power and heat,” Kikavicik said. “So they addressed this problem by getting solar panels and installing a wood stove.”
It has already been tested. The reality show “Alone” filmed its season at the camp from August to December last year. Many camp services staff have already been trained, and further training is planned for this summer. A culinary arts program is underway this month. If all goes as planned, we should be able to begin our aftercare program this fall.
Mr Kiikawiczyk gave special praise to Mr Vern McLeod and Midnight Sun Contracts, who have maintained the camp while it was not in use.
“During that time, the camp was not operating,” Kikawiczyk said. “Byrne and his crew were out here making sure that at some point, the Gwich’in Tribal Council could pick up and get this space up and running again.” ”
