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Dze Ḻ K’ant Friendship Centre

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The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre provides a number of quality services to the Aboriginal community. These services support people on their journey to become more self-sufficient and self-reliant. The Friendship Centre also dedicates time and resources to promoting awareness among Aboriginal people. Cultural pride, cultural identity, and confidentiality are the pillars of our organization.

Here at the Friendship Centre we strive to provide an environment where all Aboriginal people can belong. Whether you are a youth, elder, adult, or mother-to-be – in need of confidential assistance for major road blocks in your life or are simply looking for ways to improve your life skills – everyone is welcome at the Friendship Centre. We are a non-judgemental community with only acceptance in mind.

Please feel free to visit our site to learn more about the services we provide to our local community and the region. If you feel that our services could benefit you or someone close to you, please feel free to contact us. Our doors are always open at the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre – we are waiting to hear from you.

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Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society

Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society

The Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre is a community-based organization founded in 1974 by a devoted group of Aboriginals in Smithers, British Columbia. The name Dze L K'ant was chosen. It means “Foot of the Mountain".

Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society

6 days ago

Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDze L K’ant Friendship Centre Celebrates New Certified Indigenous DoulasSmithers, — The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre is thrilled to announce that two of our esteemed Indigenous matriarchs, Shelley Wilson, Witsuweten, and Nika Ewald, G'anaw'm Gihltin from Gitanyow, have successfully completed their doula training and are now certified doulas.Shelley and Nika’s commitment to supporting families in our community reflects the strength and resilience of our cultural heritage. Through their training, they have gained valuable skills to assist individuals and families during the transformative journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The benefits of having certified Indigenous doulas in our community are profound. They provide culturally relevant support that honors Indigenous traditions and practices, ensuring that families receive care that is both respectful and understanding of their unique needs. Doulas offer emotional, physical, and informational support, empowering parents and creating a more positive birthing experience.This initiative opens up numerous opportunities for our community, including:Enhanced Maternal Health: The presence of trained doulas can improve maternal health outcomes, as they provide continuous support and guidance during labor and delivery.Cultural Connection: Doulas like Shelley and Nika help bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern healthcare, fostering a deeper connection to cultural identity during the birthing process.Community Empowerment: By training and certifying local Indigenous women as doulas, we are investing in the empowerment of our community, enabling them to support one another through shared experiences.Networking Opportunities: Certified doulas can collaborate with local health services, midwives, and other healthcare providers, ensuring that families have access to comprehensive care.Congratulations to Shelley Wilson and Nika Ewald! We are extremely proud to work alongside both of you and celebrate this remarkable achievement. Your dedication to supporting families and nurturing our community is truly inspiring.For more information about the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre and our programs, please contact:Noxs Stikine Annette MorganExecutive Director ... See MoreSee Less
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Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society

1 week ago

Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society
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Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society

2 weeks ago

Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society
Event Details:- How to Enter: Register with Elizabeth and participate in the Egg Painting Workshop. Light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Limited spots are available, so please contact Elizabeth at mmiwg.support@dzelkant.com- Win: A self-care Easter basket!- When: April 15th, 2025, from 11 AM - 3 PM- Where: Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre, 1188 Main StreetImportant Note: This event is specifically designed for families and individuals impacted by MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls).This workshop serves as an opportunity for participants to learn more about their cultural heritage, connect with one another, and share a supportive space. By engaging in activities like egg painting, families can foster creativity and healing while also building relationships within the community. ... See MoreSee Less

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Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society

2 weeks ago

Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society
On April 23rd the Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre is pleased to be once again host the annual Provincial Homeless Count in partnership with the Homeless Services Association of BC (HSABC). The Homeless count is a chance to take a snapshot of existing homelessness in Smithers. On the day our team as well as partner agencies will be supporting community members facing homelessness to complete a short anonymous survey.Homelessness in our communities includes those who are living outdoors as well as people who have unstable housing, are living in vehicles, with friends or family and have no sense of permanency within the next 30 days. Our role is to make sure everyone's voice can be heard.This information is crucial as it helps our community advocate for much needed housing and support services.We are asking anyone who is homeless to consider participating. We are also asking al those who have family members or friends who are homeless or experiencing high levels of housing insecurity to spread the word about the activities on this important day. What is happening at the Friendship Centre on April 23rd?- Outreach workers will be walking throughout Smithers to assist community members to complete surveys- All day at the Friendship Centre (1188 Main Street, Smithers) we will have snacks and staff available to assist with surveys.- Between 12-2pm we will be hosting a delicious Easter Luncheon at the Friendship Centre Cultural Centre (3955 3rd Avenue, Smithers).This event is a chance to come together, share a meal and complete surveys to ensure everyone has a chance to be counted. Join us for food, community and draw prizes!All those who engage in our activities on the 23rd of April will receive a small gift.We look forward to seeing you there! ... See MoreSee Less

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Dze L K’ant Housing Society

In 2019, the Dze L k’ant Friendship Centre Society incorporated a new housing society: The Dze L K’ant Housing Society. The Dze L K’ant Housing Society was created to own and operate culturally safe Indigenous housing in the communities we serve.

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