Our History

The n. St’át’imc Nation, FNHA, & the Ministry of Health have partnered to establish a Primary Care Centre in Lillooet as part of a province-wide, First Nations-led health initiative.

The n. St’át’imc Chiefs and Health Directors informed the First Nation Health Authority (FNHA) about the devastating effects of the landslides, fires, and the shortages of primary health care providers (i.e. Doctors and Nurse Practitioners) within their Nation. This information and current state prompted FNHA to reach out to the n. St’át’imc Chiefs and Health Directors in May 2023 for preliminary discussions, followed by direction from the Chiefs to move forward with next steps. At the June 2023 Interior Regional Caucus, Nation members met to plan for a n. St’át’imc Primary Care Centre (n. SPCC) in Lillooet, BC.

In addition to supporting the n. St’át’imc Primary Care Centre – each of the six Communities’ Chiefs and Councils have provided a Band Council Resolution (BCR) supporting a First Nations Primary Care Centre in the District of Lillooet to provide mental wellness, substance use and primary care services, with a strong focus on traditional wellness, prevention, and outreach services to the n. St’át’imc Communities.

This new primary care centre is a partnership between the n. St’át’imc Nation, FNHA and the Ministry of Health and is part of the Province and FNHA’s First Nations-led Primary Health Care Initiative (FNPCI) – intended to improve and increase access to culturally safe health services province-wide. The centre is a part of the commitment of the Ministry of Health and FNHA to support the Nation-led establishment of 15 new First Nations Primary Care Centres throughout the province.

The centre in Lillooet is interim-operated by FNHA with the advice and guidance of representatives from the six Communities of the n. St’át’imc Nation.