A new hub in Chippewas of Rama First Nation will bring many of the community’s health and social services together under one roof.
Mnoyaawgamig, which means Place of Well-Being, is under construction on Rama Road, across the street from the Rama MASK. One of the three floors will house the First Nation’s health and social services, which are currently operating out of separate buildings.
“Joining in one space provides us with the ability to collaborate … and be able to identify programs and services that need to be implemented,” said Leanne McRae-Douglas, Rama’s director of health and social services. “We can provide that circle of care and that wraparound approach.”
It was identified by the community as a priority as part of Rama’s visioning plan in 2015. It will allow for increased space and services, with doctors, nurses, massage therapists, chiropodists, home support workers and other visiting professionals on site.
Some of the other services that will be offered in the building will relate to mental health, addictions and community healing.
“It’s very important to the community. We’re going to be able to expand our services,” McRae-Douglas said, noting there will be meeting rooms, increased clinic space and more programming opportunities for community members to participate in.
Mnoyaawgamig will also include a training kitchen to provide hands-on and “enhanced nutritional programming,” she said. It will include a focus on chronic diseases, incorporating traditional medicines while teaching people to prepare healthy food.
Rama’s health and social services division already partners with the local community farm, but that relationship will be enhanced as produce from the farm will be used in the new training kitchen.
“Giving these kinds of life skills will be really valuable,” McRae-Douglas said.
Overall, the goal is for Mnoyaawgamig to provide a “safe, welcoming space to come and connect, to feel a sense of belonging,” she said.
Mnoyaawgamig is expected to be up and running in November.
