Community Connections: September Engagement Highlights

The Dawson Creek & District Hospital Replacement Project team was proud to participate in two meaningful community events this September – Northern Lights College's Community Fair and the Saulteau First Nations/West Moberly First Nations Health Fair.

These events are important for us to participate in as we continue our commitment to engaging with residents, students, and Indigenous partners as we build a hospital that reflects and serves the region.

Northern Lights College Community Fair – September 17

On September 17, we attended Northern Lights College’s Annual Community Fair at the Dawson Creek campus. With the new hospital being constructed on the corner of the college grounds, this event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with students and share information about the new facility.

We engaged with numerous students interested in careers in health care, offering insights into the wide range of employment opportunities that will be available as the hospital approaches its opening in early 2027. Great conversations were had with nursing students who are expected to graduate within the next year – many of whom expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of joining the hospital’s future workforce.

Saulteau First Nations Health Fair – September 25

On September 25, representatives from the DCDH Project Team and Northern Health Indigenous Health had the opportunity to participate in the Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations Health Fair, an event that brought together community members, health professionals, and service providers in a celebration of wellness and connection.

We shared updates on how the new hospital is being designed and built with cultural inclusion and respect at its core. Key features of the new hospital such as a spiritual room for ceremonies, Indigenous language signage, and a family gathering space were highlighted as examples of the project's commitment to honoring the traditions and culture of the Treaty 8 First Nations.

The event also provided an opportunity to distribute employment flyers and speak with community members about future job opportunities at the hospital. These conversations are vital to ensuring the hospital becomes a place where Indigenous staff, patients, and families feel welcomed, respected, and represented.

Attendees also had an opportunity to engage with Stacy Wheeler, Indigenous Care Coordinator at the Dawson Creek & District Hospital to learn how she can support them on their health care journey when they come to the hospital to receive care.

Pictured from left to right: Stacy Wheeler, Indigenous Care Coordinator; Jennifer Dunn, DCDHRP Clinical Lead; Ashley Pannozzo, DCDHRP Community Engagement & Communications Liaison