Fort Simpson (Mar 10/06) - After being closed for almost a year, the Fort Simpson youth centre has reopened its doors with a new name and a new mandate.

Now called the family cultural centre, the goal is to make the building more than a hangout spot, said Tonya Cazon.

Following the suggestions from several meetings and the recommendations put forth by different people, including members of the band council, the centre will focus on social, life and cultural skills as well as family interaction.

"We want to bring families together to do activities," said Cazon, who is on the advisory committee for the centre.

Cazon hopes the programs will build healthy families and provide healthy alternatives for youth.

The centre was originally closed because of problems with funding and high staff turnover. Nathan McPherson has been hired as the new manager.

A family centre is something that Fort Simpson has been lacking, said Rozsika Cazon, the assistant at the centre.

In the past most of the activities in the village have been centred on the youth and there haven't been many family events, said Cazon.

"It would be nice to have parents come out and do things with their children," she said.

With events offered every day except Sunday, there is something for everyone. Activities will include Slavey classes on Monday nights, a women's sharing circle on Wednesday nights and drumming and hand games on Thursday nights.

The new centre has the approval of Jordan Villeneuve who came out to the grand opening on March 2.

The opening included drumming and a hand game tournament. There were also snacks and a bonfire outside.

"It's better than last year," said Villeneuve, 14.

He said he's looking forward to using the centre to learn to more Slavey so he can talk with his grandmother. He would also like to learn how to make a drum.