Category Engagement Initiatives Show all
-
Display of new DCDH at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery's annual art auction
Share Display of new DCDH at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery's annual art auction on Facebook Share Display of new DCDH at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery's annual art auction on Twitter Share Display of new DCDH at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery's annual art auction on Linkedin Email Display of new DCDH at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery's annual art auction link
On Friday, June 23, the Dawson Creek Art Gallery hosted their 40th annual art auction. This year's theme was "Come Fly With Me" as the auction took place inside the aircraft hanger on Northern Lights College's campus. The event featured over 30 pieces of artwork from local and regional artists open for bidding.
To accompany the beautiful pieces of art, Northern Health was invited to feature an exhibit for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital.
Ashley Pannozzo, Community Engagement Liaison and Jennifer Dunn, Clinical Lead set up a table and were there to answer questions about the project, share the project's fact sheet and information about upcoming milestones, and build excitement about the project with the display of artistic renderings of some of the spaces within the new facility.
The evening began with portraits and sketches by local artist Gary Lowe, mini-games to start the fun, piano tunes by Julie LaForge, and sweet and savoury snacks from Beans&Barley. Attendees enjoyed refreshments by Browns Socialhouse, a buffet dinner by Don's Diner, and a silent auction with over 40 items. The evening concluded with the art auction which was a huge success and live music by Graydon Schilds, Christian Kiyawasew and Cody Fonda.
Thank you again to the Dawson Creek Art Gallery for inviting us to be part of this exciting annual event. It truly was a remarkable evening filled with amazing pieces of artwork, great conversations with local partners and lots of fun!
-
Ground blessing ceremony
Share Ground blessing ceremony on Facebook Share Ground blessing ceremony on Twitter Share Ground blessing ceremony on Linkedin Email Ground blessing ceremony link
On Monday, June 19, a ground blessing ceremony was held on the site of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital to pay respects to the territory on which the new hospital will be located. We were honoured to have Elder Della Owens from Saulteau First Nations lead the ceremony and blessing.
The morning began with Russ Beerling, Northern Health Board Member, sharing remarks about the commitment that Northern Health has to working hand in hand and side by side with the local First Nations on whose territory we are on, and in the region, to build a safe and welcoming place of healing and wellness.
Following the opening remarks, Elder Della Owens was invited to lead those in attendance through the blessing. Witnesses to the ceremony were seated in a circle and joined her with their heads lowered and hands open as she shared a prayer in Cree. Elder Della prayed and shared blessings for health of the land, for those who will build the hospital, for those who will work at the hospital, and for those who will come to the hospital for healing.
This was an important step for the project while the land was undisturbed and before construction began.
Witnesses to the ceremony included representatives from the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, Saulteau First Nations, the Peace River Regional Hospital District, the City of Dawson Creek and Graham Design Builders; as well as Northern Health's Board of Directors, Indigenous Health, and the DCDH project management team.
As the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Replacement Project progresses, we are continuing to focus on collaboration with Indigenous partners which we hope will lead to improved wellness and more positive outcomes for all people, communities and Nations in Northeast BC. Local Indigenous communities are being consulted throughout the design process to ensure that the new facility is cultural safe, welcoming, respectful and relevant.
-
Career Fair at Dawson Creek Secondary School
Share Career Fair at Dawson Creek Secondary School on Facebook Share Career Fair at Dawson Creek Secondary School on Twitter Share Career Fair at Dawson Creek Secondary School on Linkedin Email Career Fair at Dawson Creek Secondary School link
On March 15, School District 59’s Career Education Department Team hosted a career fair for Dawson Creek Secondary School – South Peace Campus students.
We were among 25 different regional companies and organizations offering career and educational information. Approximately 100 students that came through the gymnasium along with teachers and support staff.
We featured volunteer opportunities, job and career paths through the Grow Our Own program, and quick facts about the new hospital as there is an ongoing need for health care professionals in the region.
-
Education and career fair at Saulteau First Nations
Share Education and career fair at Saulteau First Nations on Facebook Share Education and career fair at Saulteau First Nations on Twitter Share Education and career fair at Saulteau First Nations on Linkedin Email Education and career fair at Saulteau First Nations link
On March 9, Saulteau First Nations and the Muskoti Learning Centre hosted an education and career fair for Grade 10-12 students from Saulteau First Nations as well as students from Chetwynd Secondary School and Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Northern Health was invited to feature volunteer opportunities, job and career paths through the Grow Our Own promotions and information about the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital. The new facility being built in the South Peace means an ongoing need to health care professionals in the region.
Approximately 100 students and teachers attended the event, which featured info booths from 25 different organizations. The event was extremely positive for all involved and our hope is that the youth were inspired and will consider professions in health care.
Attending these events throughout the Peace Region helps us raise awareness of career and volunteer opportunities within the health care industry and allow us to share information about the new hospital being built in the South Peace.
Pictured from left to right: Byron Stewart, Northeast Recruitment & Retention Ambassador, Machiel Mostert, Northeast Volunteer Resources Coordinator, and Ashley Pannozzo, DCDH Community Engagement Liaison -
Working groups provide valuable input
Share Working groups provide valuable input on Facebook Share Working groups provide valuable input on Twitter Share Working groups provide valuable input on Linkedin Email Working groups provide valuable input link
Northern Health is committed to receiving valuable input into design aspects of the new hospital through a mix of engagement initiatives, user consultations, committees and working groups. Engagement is a major part of Northern Health capital projects, and there will be many opportunities for input from the community as this project progresses.
The Dawson Creek and District Hospital (DCDH) Replacement Project has been supported by a Capital Advisory Committee (CAC) since October 2020. The CAC has representation from the local community, stakeholders and Indigenous representatives, and has provided guidance in relation to the project.
We have recently formed two additional sub-working groups to serve under the CAC and provide feedback and input into the design of the new hospital. The two new working groups are the Community Advisory Working Group (CAWG) and the Indigenous Advisory Working Group (IAWG). The purpose of these groups is to have a forum for members to provide input into design aspects of the project to ensure the new facility is locally and culturally safe, welcoming, respectful and relevant. The working groups inform the project to help ensure the facility reflects and supports the communities served by the Dawson Creek & District Hospital. Input and feedback gathered from all of these committees and groups is extremely valuable and we are tremendously grateful for the participation of the members.
Read the April 2023 Project Update to view the current CAWG and IAWG membership lists.
Feedback and input gathered from the working groups is filtered upwards. It first goes to the CAC, then it goes to the Project Steering Committee who, in collaboration with the Project Board, balances the complexities of a capital building project.
In addition to the CAC, IAWG, and CAWG, the project team works closely with small groups of “users” who represent their areas of expertise to gather feedback and input from a clinical point of view. The users work with the Design-Builder during User Consultation Meetings (UCM) and Special Topic Meetings (STM) to help them better understand over-arching concepts, ensure that all departments are situations correctly for the best clinical care and efficiencies and advise on standard operational best practices. Feedback and input gathered from the users is taken back to the Design-Builder for consideration and incorporation.
-
Join the DCDH Indigenous Working Group
Share Join the DCDH Indigenous Working Group on Facebook Share Join the DCDH Indigenous Working Group on Twitter Share Join the DCDH Indigenous Working Group on Linkedin Email Join the DCDH Indigenous Working Group link
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
Apply for the Indigenous Working Group here: Member, Indigenous Working Group, Dawson Creek Hospital Replacement Project - Patient Voices Network (patientvoicesbc.ca)
The deadline to apply is January 20, 2023.
We're building a new, state-of-the-art hospital in Dawson Creek and are looking for two patient partners and/or community representatives to join the Indigenous Working Group. If you would like to provide input into the design of the new hospital, this could be the opportunity for you!
The purpose of this working group is for community members and patient partners to provide feedback and share their input into the hospital design to ensure that the new facility in Dawson Creek is culturally safe, respectful, welcoming, and relevant.
We respect, value and seek an opportunity to engage with Indigenous patient partners in the spirit of reciprocity. It is with humbleness and humility that we recognize and value the importance of understanding how the hospital replacement project can meet the needs of Indigenous patients and their families.
This opportunity is at the level of involve on the spectrum of engagement. The promise to you is that the health care partner will involve patients in planning and design phases to ensure ideas or concerns are considered and reflected in alternatives and recommendations.
Eligibility
Open to Indigenous patient partners and community members from Dawson Creek, Chetwynd and/or Tumbler Ridge and surrounding areas who:
- Have experience of accessing health care services at Dawson Creek and District Hospital (DCDH) within the last 12 months
- Previous working group experience is an asset but not required
- Are comfortable sharing experiences in a group environment
- Are comfortable attending online meetings via Zoom or MS Teams
As connection and relationship building is important to Northern Health, informal meet & greets will form part of the selection process for short listed patient partners/community members.
Logistics
- Number of vacancies: 2-3
-
Date and Time:
- The first meeting of the Indigenous Working Group is scheduled for February 2023 – exact date TBD.
- Meetings will occur on a quarterly basis (every 3 months) and will last for approximately 1 hour.
- We anticipate having meetings in February, May, August, and November.
- There may be times when an ad hoc meeting is required based on needs and short deadlines from the project team
- Location: Online meetings via Zoom or MS Teams, with the possibility of in-person meetings
- Commitment: 12 months with the possibility of an extension
Reimbursement
No out of pocket expenses are anticipated for this engagement opportunity. However, if you meet the eligibility criteria, but have concerns about your ability to participate, please contact Cassy Mitchell cmitchell@bcpsqc.ca to see if support options are available. We are always seeking to better understand and reduce barriers to participation.If travel is required to attend any in-person meetings, then travel related costs such as mileage will be reimbursed as per Northern Health’s travel reimbursement policy.
Background
Approximately 15-20 representatives from local organizations and groups will be part of this working group. This includes the Treaty 8 First Nations, Nawican Friendship Centre, Aboriginal Family Services, Northern Health Indigenous Health, Northeast Metis Association, Moccasin Flats Metis Association North Wind Wellness Centre and more.The Indigenous Working Group will work in conjunction with the DCDH Community Working Group, which is also in the process of being formed.
Sub-groups with members from both of these groups may be formed to focus on specific topics such as artwork, language, wayfinding, etc.
Our aim is for the group to have a wide range of representatives who have different experiences and access health care in unique ways.
The Terms of Reference for the Indigenous Working Group will be posted on the DCDH Replacement Let’s Talk website when they are finalized.
-
Join the DCDH Community Working Group
Share Join the DCDH Community Working Group on Facebook Share Join the DCDH Community Working Group on Twitter Share Join the DCDH Community Working Group on Linkedin Email Join the DCDH Community Working Group link
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
Apply for the Community Working Group here: Member, Community Working Group, Dawson Creek Hospital Replacement Project - Patient Voices Network (patientvoicesbc.ca)
The deadline to apply is January 20, 2023.
We're building a new, state-of-the-art hospital in Dawson Creek and are looking for two patient partners and/or community representatives to join the Community Working Group. If you would like to provide input into the design of the new hospital, this could be the opportunity for you!
The purpose of this working group is for community members and stakeholders – including patients – to provide feedback and share their input into the hospital design to ensure that the new facility in Dawson Creek is welcoming, relevant and respectful.
This opportunity is at the level of involve on the spectrum of engagement. The promise to you is that the health care partner will involve patients in planning and design phases to ensure ideas or concerns are considered and reflected in alternatives and recommendations.
Eligibility
Open to patient partners and community members from Dawson Creek, Chetwynd and/or Tumbler Ridge who:
- Have experience of accessing health care services at Dawson Creek and District Hospital (DCDH) within the last 12 months
- Previous working group experience is an asset but not required
- Are comfortable sharing experiences in a group environment
- Are comfortable attending online meetings via Zoom or MS Teams
Connection and relationship building is important to us so informal meet & greets will be part of the selection process for short listed patient partners/community members.
Logistics
- Number of vacancies: 2-3
-
Date and Time:
- The first meeting of the Community Working Group is scheduled for February 2023 – exact date TBD.
- Meetings will occur on a quarterly basis (every 3 months) and will last for approximately 1 hour.
- We anticipate having meetings in February, May, August, and November.
- There may be times when an ad hoc meeting is required based on needs and short deadlines from the project team
- Location: Online meetings via Zoom or MS Teams, with the possibility of in-person meetings
- Commitment: 12 months with the possibility of an extension
Reimbursement
No out of pocket expenses are anticipated for this engagement opportunity. However, if you meet the eligibility criteria, but have concerns about your ability to participate, please contact Cassy Mitchell cmitchell@bcpsqc.ca to see if support options are available. We are always seeking to better understand and reduce barriers to participation.If travel is required to attend any in-person meetings then travel related costs such as mileage will be reimbursed as per Northern Health’s travel reimbursement policy.
Background
Approximately 15-20 representatives from local organizations and groups will be part of this working group.This DCDH Community Working Group will work in conjunction with the DCDH Indigenous Working Group, which is also in the process of being formed.
Sub-groups with members from both of these groups may be formed to focus on specific topics such as artwork, language, wayfinding, etc.
Our aim is for the group to have a wide range of representatives who have different experiences and access health care in unique ways.
The Terms of Reference for the Community Working Group will be posted on the DCDH Replacement Let’s Talk website when they are finalized.
-
DCDH Foundation's Donor Appreciation Event
Share DCDH Foundation's Donor Appreciation Event on Facebook Share DCDH Foundation's Donor Appreciation Event on Twitter Share DCDH Foundation's Donor Appreciation Event on Linkedin Email DCDH Foundation's Donor Appreciation Event link
On November 25, the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation held a Donor Appreciation Reception at Our Social Collective, a local co-working space in downtown Dawson Creek, which the Project Management Office (PMO) was happy to support.
Approximately forty donors, community leaders and stakeholders joined members of the Foundation Board of Directors in an afternoon to celebrate the generosity of the community and meet the new Foundation Executive Director.
Those in attendance were treated to a presentation about the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Replacement Project from the project’s Community Engagement Liaison Officer, Ashley Pannozzo, and Northern Health Vice President, Communications & Public Relations, Steve Raper. The guests were very involved with the conversation and asked pertinent and insightful questions.
The DCDH Foundation’s Executive Director, Heather Kohler says “The Foundation was delighted to partner with Northern Health for this event which provided the opportunity for some of our most committed donors to engage with Northern Health in a valuable face-to-face setting.”
-
Get your hands dirty at the new Dawson Creek Community Garden
Share Get your hands dirty at the new Dawson Creek Community Garden on Facebook Share Get your hands dirty at the new Dawson Creek Community Garden on Twitter Share Get your hands dirty at the new Dawson Creek Community Garden on Linkedin Email Get your hands dirty at the new Dawson Creek Community Garden link
We are excited to share that we have relocated the Dawson Creek Community Garden and it is now open to the public!
The community garden was relocated from the Northwest corner of Northern Lights College's property in order to make space for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital. The relocation project was done in collaboration with the Dawson Creek Community Garden Society, Northern Lights College, Stantec Inc., and Northern Legendary Construction Ltd. Construction began in June 2021 and was completed in September 2021. We maintained and transferred architectural features from the old garden including the entryway gate and the metal memorial bench.
The Dawson Creek Community Garden Society hosted their grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 18. Although it rained most of the morning, that didn’t damper the mood of those in attendance. The event started with speeches from Fern Hansen (President, Community Garden Society), Ashley Pannozzo (Community Engagement Liaison, DCDH Replacement Project), Katie MacLeod (Project Manager, Clark Builders), and Shaely Wilbur (Council Member, City of Dawson Creek). Following the speeches, attendees enjoyed cupcakes and a walk through the garden.
“This year, I’m looking forward to the community garden continuing to be well received and respected and for society members to continue to garden because we’re off to a fabulous start,” said Fern Hansen, President of the Dawson Creek Community Garden Society. “With the relocation, we’re so happy to have the new fence for protection, and the raised garden beds for easier access to gardening. They’re much more practical in terms of use, they look beautiful, and they’re easier to work with because you’re not crawling on the ground.”
Now that the community garden is officially open, citizens of Dawson Creek can get their hands dirty this planting season and grow locally, all while enjoying the company of fellow gardeners on the new site.
