Finishing touches being done on soon-to-reopen Gwich'in wellness camp

The Gwich'in Wellness Camp near Inuvik, N.W.T., is almost ready to open its doors again, after being closed for more than a decade.

An open house was held this past Saturday at the facility which is about 15 kilometres by boat south from Inuvik, on the Mackenzie River.

The afternoon was an opportunity to showcase upgrades to the camp, as well as show the plan for the land in the area.

The Gwich'in Tribal Council is doing its final preparations to the camp. It recently held a course for camp maintainers, to train staff on how to keep the facility running smoothly.

There's no word yet on when the facility will be open to clients. 

Right now, there is construction being done on tent frames and large yurts that will house visitors who are staying at the camp. A trail system is also being made with wooden walkways to connect the tents to the main building.

Originally opened in 2007, the camp closed in 2012.

It has seen some changes since it first welcomed visitors. The rooms for clients in the main building have been remodeled. Gwich'in Tribal Council Grand Chief Ken Kyikavichik says that is to help people feel more comfortable in a facility that's less institutional.

Wood stoves and solar panels are some of the cost-saving additions made to the building. A large array of panels sits behind the building, with panels on the roof as well.

Kyikavichik says the camp will first serve the Gwich'in Nation but will also welcome and support any residents of the region eventually.

"The primary purpose will be for the ongoing health and wellness for our Gwich'in participants. But eventually we would love to offer services to Gwich'in and non-Gwich'in residents of the Beaufort Delta region," he said.

Kyikavichik said the camp will be used for conferences and healing gatherings.

"There is also an opportunity for us to have this as a meeting centre," he said.

Inuvik artist Ruth Wright was at the open house on Saturday afternoon. She brought her yarn with her and took the opportunity to spend time sharing stories with friends and family. For Wright, the camp offers a chance to reconnect with her culture and put down the phone for a while.

"I think it's important to come out here with a group of people and try leave your technology behind," said Wright.

"That's important and everything, but if you just leave it behind, stay here and get reconnected with the land."

Wright said she was at the camp when it first opened, and that she was happy for the space to get away from town and talk with other people in a relaxed setting.