When we talk about wellness in the Nlaka’pamux Nation, we don’t just mean healing after illness. We mean preventing harm in the first place.
Building a Culture of Prevention
Our approach to public health is simple: show up early, stay connected, and make sure people have the knowledge and resources to take care of themselves, their families, and each other. Preventative care isn’t a department – it’s a mindset. NHSS delivers programs and outreach that help community members take action before health issues become emergencies. It’s about reducing barriers, offering culturally safe health education, and making wellness an everyday conversation.
Our prevention-focused services include:
- Health and wellness education for youth, Elders, and families
- Regular screening opportunities (e.g. diabetes, heart health, cancer checks)
- Client Advocacy and support before, during or after your health needs
- Harm reduction supplies and overdose prevention strategies
- Mental health awareness and suicide prevention support
- Access to nutrition and traditional food knowledge through gardening and workshops
These efforts are not one-off events. They’re part of an ongoing relationship with the community, built on trust and consistency.
Healthcare That Moves with the Community
Prevention doesn’t work if it’s hard to access. That’s why NHSS incorporates prevention into mobile care, community events, and home-based visits. Whether someone is stopping by an outreach event or attending a cultural workshop, there’s always space to talk about health and the small steps that protect it.
With our updated vehicle fleet, we are able to take an active role in providing health & wellness support in our Communities. This includes but is not limited to home care nursing, wellness outreach events, on-the-land healing, traditionally grounded counselling services, street angel harm reduction, emergency services, primary care, and more.
Prevention Services Built on Tradition
Wellness education doesn’t need to look clinical. At NHSS, we know that some of our most effective public health work happens during garden workdays, cultural camps, and Elder-led teachings. That’s why we braid together public health knowledge with traditional practices, from preparing medicine teas to harvesting healthy traditional foods.
The NHSS prevention and public health programs are:
Designed in collaboration with Elders.
Designed in collaboration with knowledge keepers.
Focused on restoring health autonomy through traditional teachings.
Open to all ages and stages of wellness.
This is public health that remembers where it comes from.
Strengthening the Resilience of Our Nation
Strong prevention systems don’t just protect individuals – they strengthen entire communities. NHSS is committed to building long-term prevention capacity by:
- Training community health workers and support staff
- Offering student placements and mentorship opportunities
- Partnering with schools, Elders, and local organizations to deliver health promotion
- Advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in public health policy and strategy
We’re not just handing out information. We’re helping communities lead their own health journeys with the tools, confidence, and support to do it well.
Always Forward and Always Aware
Our role in public health is growing, and so is our responsibility. As NHSS continues to expand its services and infrastructure, prevention will remain one of our guiding principles. We’ll keep creating programs that are responsive, respectful, and deeply rooted in who we are as a Nation.