Canadian Mental Health Association of the Battlefords staff, members, and the general public packed into the basement of the CMHA’s new building to celebrate its grand opening and naming Thusday.
City councillor Kent Lindgren emceed the event, which featured comments by Johann Engelke of Prairie North Health Region, Cindy Xavier of the Kinsmen Foundation, Neil Sasakamoose of the Battlefords Agency Tribal Council, and Karen Weran of the CMHA Saskatchewan board of directors, among others.
Kyle Brind, a CMHA member, also spoke.
“The CMHA means a lot to me because I am treated very well and my friends are awesome. I also love the work here, it makes me feel good. And whenever I’m needing something or have a problem, they’re here.”
The Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Community Development Corporation donated $75,000 toward the building and was asked to name it. They chose to name the building after Chief Ben Weenie of Young Chippewyan First Nation, who passed away in 2016. Weenie was prominent in First Nations community development, and before his death was in the news due to his involvement in a film, Reserve 107.
Members of Weenie’s family were in attendance. Weenie’s Cree name was Kahkakiw, raven, a trickster figure in Cree tradition.
“No matter what walk of life you came from, he always showed unconditional love,” said Weenie’s daughter Pamela Peterson.
The new building’s name is Kahkakiw Nakateyimisowin Wellness Centre. Nakateyimisowin translates to “nurturing yourself,” according to Weenie’s widow Sylvia.
Comments were followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony, and coffee and cake.
In August, CMHA Battlefords Executive Director Zielke de Montbrun said the organization bought the former Lion’s Den building last year, and the fundraising target, which included renovations, was $615,000. A garden party in June featuring food and live entertainment raised $54,000.
After the ribbon cutting, Zielke de Montbrun didn’t think she’d be as emotional as she was. She felt “just overwhelming happiness for the people who come here.”
Since operating the new facility, Zielke de Montbrun said she’s seen an increase in participation. The previous building “worked for us because of the atmosphere in there and the surroundings were secondary,” but the building’s look might’ve prevented those who needed it to not seek help from the CMHA.
“Since we moved here [to the new building] I think it’s sort of helped maybe with getting rid of some of that stigma.”
After fundraising, renovations, and increased programming, Zielke de Montbrun described the moment.
“To see it all come together, I think it’s just so beautiful.”
As people gathered outside on the front lawn for the ribbon cutting ceremony, a few birds were flying in the distance. Some said the birds were ravens.
