Métis Nation BC’s Northern Health Aboriginal Health Improvement Committee (AHIC) is thrilled to announce our newest project, The Giving Tree.
MNBC's Aboriginal Health Improvement Committee consists of Métis Citizens and community members across the Northeast, Northcentral, Northwest, and Northern Health Authority areas.
As defined by Northern Health, "the AHIC is designed to identify local health care priorities and ways to work together to find solutions, build connections by providing opportunities for new and stronger relationships, increase cultural understanding, and incorporate Indigenous people's perspectives and experiences."
Housed at the Niwî_ôwin Métis Family Service in Prince George, B.C, small gifts will be placed into the giving tree, and families can help themselves to whatever they wish. At this time, The Giving Tree will include healthy, engaging activities, seasonal crafts, and regional health resources. By providing these activities, we hope that families can gather, share stories, and learn about their Métis culture while spending quality family time together. These gifts are available at no cost to all community members and on a first-come, first-served basis.
We want to thank our partners, specifically the hard-working staff at both Niwî_ôwin Métis Family Service and Prince George Métis Community Association (PGMCA), for supporting this project.
We also want to thank artist Kristi Bridgeman for her beautiful artistry and donations to the Giving Tree, including many painted rocks, bulbs and paintings.
Kristi’s family originated from the Prince George area. Her family names are Chalifoux, Campion, L'Hirondelle originating from Slave Lake, St Albert, and Jasper. Kristi has created over 28 children's books, and her illustration has been shortlisted for Governor General's Award. She has been awarded several dozen book awards and was honoured as one of 150 Top B.C. Women Artists by the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria.
If you are interested in learning more about the Giving Tree or donating supplies, please feel free to email Katina Pollard, Northern Regional Health Coordinator, at kpollard@mnbc.ca.
Thank you,
Aboriginal Health Improvement Committee, MNBC