DEPARTMENT STAFF

The Department of Health and Social programs services to Selkirk First Nation members in the areas of Social Assistance, Recreation, Community Wellness and Elder Home Care and Benefits. To stay updated on the most current events, please check the events calendar and contact the Director for more information.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Parent Capacity Program
This program is designed to work with women who are expecting, young mothers/fathers and families to strengthen the family unit and promote drug and alcohol free homes.

Health Promotion
This program is designed to promote healthy, active living to enrich the lives of Selkirk citizens. Health topics such as Cancer (breast, testicular, lung, colon, etc.), healthy aging, sexual health, elder health and community wellbeing are promoted through this program. A coordinator works closely with the Health and Social Services department and Health Canada to provide various activities and programs for youth, elders, men and women throughout the year.

Elder Care Program
The Elder Care program is developed for all citizens 65 years and older. Under this program, clients receive assistance in home cleaning, heating, transportation and health care bookings.

HIV/AIDS Awareness Program
This project promotes values to instill healthier choices for the prevention and reduction of high risk behavior associated with the spread of AIDS/HIV in the communities. This program is targeted at the community at large with a high emphasis on the youth. Elders are actively involved in promoting awareness and traditional knowledge and several other organizations are also involved.

Hot Lunch Program
Running September through June, the Hot Lunch program offers healthy, nutritional lunches to students of the Eliza Van Bibber School. Over the past few years, additional funding has allowed the program to expand to the community level and is offered to the public.

Diabetes Prevention Program
This program is designed to promote community awareness of all types of diabetes through workshops, conferences and information sessions. Funding for this program is in partnership between SFN and Health Canada. For updates on the 2009 program, please contact the department director.

Tobacco Awareness and Prevention Program
This program is designed to promote community awareness of the harsh effects of tobacco abuse, especially for Youth, pregnant women/women who are breastfeeding and Elders. Through a variety of information sessions, counseling, projects and events, citizens receive the best possible information about tobacco use and prevention. Support services are available for people trying to quit smoking as well. This program runs during the spring when other programs tie into healthy living.

Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program
This program is in partnership with the Department of Education and Training and is designed to promote healthy eating and breastfeeding for women who are pregnant or women with children under the age of two years.

Youth Leadership Program
This program is a seasonal program that usually begins in the month of May and runs to August/September and is targeted toward Youth to promote a drug and alcohol free lifestyle.

Community Recreation Program
The recreation director and staff have been relocated to the Selkirk First Nation Youth Centre. This program is run year round. The purpose of this program is to promote active living and healthy lifestyles through a variety of fun filled activities to citizens of all ages.

Social Development
Also known as the Social Assistance program, citizens who are in financial need may be eligible to apply for the program. The program offers a financial relief to citizens while working with them on career planning, counseling and work opportunities. For more information on the program, please contact the Social Assistance Administrator.

Event Donations (Funerals, Grads, Potlatches, etc.)
Citizens/Organizations can apply for donations for an event for a maximum of $500.00. Please inquire with the Director for more information.

In respect to funerals, the department may assist the immediate family with the costs associated including food, coffins and clothing. Please inquire with the director for more information on this program.

Aside from these programs and services, the Department juggles several different files, programs and projects throughout the year. If you have any questions about the department, please feel free to contact the Executive Assistant.