xʷuý kt kəntetwaxʷ tekm ut
e ks naʕʔips ýe ks ƛ̓ʼʔek kt
ne tekmus te steʔ
he cuwecut ut tekmut e ks zəw̓zoʕ̓ʷt kt
Our mission, as translated from the nɬeʔkepmxcin – Thompson Language is:
We are all going to help each other.
So that we will always go on the right path.
In everything.
If we all prepare ourselves, we will all be strong.
Scw’exmx definition: means “People of the creeks” SCHSS provides health service to three of the rural Nicola Valley bands of Coldwater, Nooaitch and Shackan:
Our People, Our Culture & Language
The three communities are of the Nlaka’pamux Nation and linguistic group (Thompson). The nɬeʔkepmxcin language is still spoken by a few Elders within the three communities. These Bands are all members of the Scw’exmx Tribal Council.
History
The Society was incorporated on July 15, 1998. Nine individuals, the visionaries representing the local First Nations, pushed forward with an initiative to improve the health services available in the Nicola Valley. Those nine people signed on as the first directors and applicants of incorporation for Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society, not knowing that the organization would become what it is today, but having a clear direction to move health services forward in a good way to provide access to services they were not fully able to access previously.
Now
Today we provide things like nursing supports, in home care, diabetes and prenatal supports, foot care, assistance with travel to medical appointments, a full dentist office, youth programming, well water and community water testing, mental wellness services, satellite health offices in the local outlying communities, and many others.
Vision
Create a community where all people in Scw’exmx territory can achieve health and well-being by building healthy communities and supporting healthy citizens within Scw’exmx territory.
Focus
Our focus area are services directly for the communities of Shackan, Nooaitch, and Coldwater. Many of our services support First Nation members living off-reserve. And many of our health services such as our dental services at Stoyoma Dental, and medical services at the Coquihalla Primary Care Clinic are open to anyone who walks in the door.
Our values
Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society’s values support our vision. They are embedded in our core work, how we view ourselves and how we make values-based decisions. The core set of values are:
Respect
We respect our clients, staff, members, service providers and funders, and work to create trusting and lasting relationships.
Compassion
We listen and have empathy for our clients, front line workers and members to meet their needs.
Transparency
We commit to sharing information about our business, services and programs with our members.
Honesty
We provide evidence-based facts and information in a timely and fair way.
Integrity
We do what we say we will do; while respecting cultural traditions.
Confidentiality
We protect the privacy of our clients.
Leadership
Members of our team
Barclay Smith
Executive Director
Mike Smithers
COLDWATER Band Representative (Chairperson)
Olivia Buck
NOOAITCH Band Representative
(Vice-Chair)
Savannah Joe
Shackan Band Representative
(Secretary/ Treasurer)
Dale Shackelly
Nooaitch Band Representative
Veronica Jameson
Coldwater Band Representative
Joan Seymour
Shackan Band Representative