LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Spring has sprung in Fort Simpson. A huge feast and drum dance in the community celebrated the return of spring and also introduced residents to a healthy new initiative early this month.

Jessie Snider, left, and Ernest Tsetso were among those who joined in the drum dance circle during the Liidlii Kue First Nation Well Being Plan introduction feast in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

On May 1, Liidlii Kue First Nation held the public event to help spread information about its new Wellbeing Plan.

The goal of the plan is to identify issues that affect the well-being of individuals, families and the community and to offer programs designed to address those issues.

"We all want to have a healthy community," said Chief Jim Antoine, while addressing the gathered crowd.

"We want to have a balanced approach to ourselves and our lives."

Prior to the feast, a fire feeding ceremony was held in the community. It's a tradition that in the springtime we make an offering, Antoine explained. "We give thanks for the winter and we give thanks for the spring."