Transforming care in northern B.C.

Press Release

April 29, 2026

Dadzi Wellness Centre opens near Fort St. James, providing culturally safe primary care

FORT ST. JAMES –

Summary

New First Nations led primary care centre offers integrated, culturally safe health and wellness services
Located on Dak’elh Territory, the Dadzi Wellness Centre will attach more than 1,250 patients to a primary care provider
At full capacity, the centre will bring 15.65 full-time-equivalent (FTE) health-care providers to the region

People, families and Elders living in the Nak’azdli, Tl’azt’en and Binche communities near Fort St. James have improved access to culturally safe primary care and traditional wellness services with the opening of the Dadzi Wellness Centre.

“Our model of care is built on the strength of our history, ” said Donald Prince, operations director, Dadzi Wellness Centre. “By weaving our traditional teachings into a team-based medical environment, we are ensuring that our people receive care that recognizes their identity and removes the obstacles that have historically kept them from wellness.”

The Dadzi Wellness Centre is now open at its permanent location, 160 Stuart Dr. The centre extends its delivery of care through the Nak’azdli Health Centre, 100 Kwah Rd. E., and Tl’azt’en Community Health Services, 4676 Tlazten Main, Tache 1.

“We are committed to working with partners, in community and across the province, to remove barriers to care experienced by Indigenous Peoples,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The new Dadzi Wellness Centre combines Western clinical practices with First Nations knowledge to deliver holistic health care closer to home. We recognize what this means for the communities near Fort St. James, and we are excited about the impact it has on accessible care in British Columbia.”

Community care by and for First Nations people

The Dadzi Wellness Centre is community-led by and for the Dak’elh people. The region’s Bah’lats system of government ensures transparency of economic, political and spiritual decisions. There are nine protocols that will guide centre operations: respect, responsibility, obligation, compassion, balance, wisdom, caring, sharing and love.

Clients can access a wide range of integrated services, including primary care, maternal health and traditional wellness and healing. Care can be accessed from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

“Our vision at the First Nations Health Authority is to support healthy, self-determining and vibrant First Nations children, families and communities in B.C.,” said Monica McAlduff, CEO, First Nations Health Authority. “With the support of health system partners, First Nations communities and municipalities in B.C., we can continue our shared journey towards a culturally safe and sustainable health-care system that meets the needs of First Nations in B.C.”

With a foundational commitment to No Barriers to Care, the centre combines Western clinical practices with First Nations knowledge to deliver holistic health care closer to home. More than 1,250 patients will be attached to a primary care provider through the centre.

As hiring progresses, people will receive culturally safe care from 15.65 FTE health-care providers, including family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, mental-health professionals, occupational therapists, Elders, traditional healers, traditional food advisers, Indigenous navigators and social workers. The clinical staff will be supported by additional non-clinical team members.

Collaborative approach to care

The centre is funded through a partnership between the First Nations Health Authority and the Ministry of Health and supported by Dak’elh partners. As part of the First Nations Primary Care Initiative, the centre is one of three First Nations Primary Care Centres that will support communities in the northern region.

This announcement follows the openings of these First Nations Primary Care Initiative sites:

Lu’ma Medical Centre in Vancouver (October 2019)
All Nations Healing House in Williams Lake (October 2022)
Northern Nations Wellness Centre in Chetwynd (October 2024)
Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations Primary Care Centre (November 2024)
es zúmin’ Primary Care Centre (February 2025)
ʔuukʷinkpanač West Coast Primary Care Initiative (May 2025)
Coast Salish (April 2025)
Wilp D’mootxw – Nec’a Yikh – The Healing House, (September 2025)
Fraser South Wellness Centre (September 2025)
Fraser West (November 2025)
Éyameth’ Health Centre in Harrison Mills (January 2026)

Quotes:

Debra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health –

“The Dadzi Wellness Centre is an important step towards improving accessibility to culturally safe care in the North and in B.C. as a whole. Stronger access to care is so important, especially when it’s culturally informed and closer to home.”

Stephanie Higginson, parliamentary secretary for primary care access –

“This new wellness centre is critical for people in the Fort St. James region. More people will be able to get enhanced primary care services, and I’m excited to continue our partnership with the First Nations Health Authority and Dak’elh Nation to ensure people continue to receive the most appropriate care from the right provider.”

Learn More: