Carrier Sekani Youth Centre opening (Photo provided by Kayla Brownscombe)

Carrier Sekani Nation celebrated National Child Day by opening up it’s new Youth Centre by the name of ‘SK’ai Zeh Yah’ in downtown PG.

“It’s always been a dream of ours to open up a youth centre,” said Kayla Brownscombe, Youth Services Manager at Carrier Sekani Family Services.

This centre will offer a number of services for youth aged 8-29 years old to drop in and participate in different programs.

“At the drop-in centre, we have cultural activities, carving going on all throughout the week we also have a food bank and hot meal service, showers and laundry and storage services for our youth,” Brownscombe explained.

In addition, the centre will offer a ‘Walk Tall’ program, an after-school program for anyone aged 8-18 years old that hosts cultural, recreational and educational programs.

“We also have our Elder-Youth program which pairs elders in the community with youth to learn cultural teachings and stay connected to our communities, and we also offer one-to-one wellness services to any youth that needs them,” she added.

The Carrier Sekani Family Services has been offering youth services for 15 years in PG, however, a drop-in centre offers a designated safe space for youth and access to housing outreach workers.