It’s been a long time coming.
WINHAC (Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe’iyewigamig Aboriginal Health Access Centre) is going to be constructing a new building in Kenora for Indigenous health care.
The province has announced 28 million dollars towards construction costs.
Charlene Mandamin is the president of the board of directors of WINHAC and says the new building will be sized right.
“It is being expanded to accommodate our needs today,” Mandamin said following a ceremony Thursday afternoon to announce the funding.
“We’re actually fortunate enough that it’s taken us ten years and even with our growth, this new building should accommodate our whole team.”
Mandamin says they talked about this building for at least 10 years.
“To ensure that it meets our needs today is exciting. It’s exciting for everybody. Not only our First Nations, but the City of Kenora, and all our Indigenous people.”
Once completed, the centre will connect people to a range of Indigenous designed and delivered holistic healing, health and wellness programs, including:
- Primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and registered nurses.
- Counselling for mental health, social work and culturally relevant services such as traditional healing.
- Diabetes education offered by a diabetes dietician and health promotion services.
- Allied health services including podiatry/chiropody/foot care, and dental hygiene.
WINHAC is spread throughout the community and has offices on nearby First Nations and the new building will help consolidate all their operations.
The new building will be located on the site of the former Kenwood Hotel, at the corner of Chipman and First Street South.
