NWT co-designs Indigenous wellness centre planned for Yellowknife

The Northwest Territories is working with Indigenous governments and community members to plan an Indigenous Wellness Centre in Yellowknife. Co-design began at meetings on October 27 and 28, involving Indigenous government representatives, Elders, youth and health and social services professionals.

• First phase: Expected to focus on wellness programming, cultural supports, outreach, service navigation and community connections.
• Longer term: The centre may bring together more services, including primary care and mental health and addictions supports.
• Who it may serve: Indigenous residents in Yellowknife and people travelling from communities across the territory.
• Next step: Further co-design will address services, governance, partnerships and implementation. Recommendations and a proposed path forward are expected by summer 2027.

The centre is intended to complement existing health and social services, not create a separate health system.