ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD
A new member of the staff at Acho Dene Koe First Nations (ADK) plans to incorporate traditional practices in all of the programs she creates.

Jacqueline Spies has brought an extensive background in social work with her to the new position of community wellness co-ordinator with Acho Dene Koe First Nation. - photo courtesy of Jacqueline Spies

Jacqueline Spies began working for the First Nation in Fort Liard on Jan. 13 as the community wellness co-ordinator. Last March, the community created a preliminary community wellness plan, which ADK is now revising. The multi-year funding that is linked with the plan included room for this new position.

Spies is using the plan as a guideline. Throughout the document, people say that the community's traditions are missing and that they want them back, she said. Spies is exploring creative ways to incorporate traditions into different aspects of the community.

"Whatever programs I come with they're going to have traditional values attached to them," she said.

Spies plans to have a broad focus.

"I'm responsible for the wellness of the community, or the members of the community, and that has to be looked at from all angles – mental, spiritual and physical," she said.

Spies has spent her first few weeks in Fort Liard learning about the existing resources and programs offered by the Department of Health and Social Services and the hamlet.

"I'm trying to co-ordinate so that we work more together and try to address the needs of the community members," she said.

Although most of her programs won't be ready to start until April, Spies is already hoping to hold more community gatherings and have a youth and education component. She also plans to promote the use of Dene Zhatie, including starting a program focused on books in the language with stories from elders. The stories talk about traditional values that people should have, she said.

Spies has brought her background in social work to the position, including 20 years of hands on experience in Ontario. In 2003, she started teaching medical courses and social work at a college level in that province and B.C.

Although she's not First Nation or Metis herself, Spies said she's worked with First Nations in both provinces.

"I have a great passion for the belief system," she said.

Spies has already started learning about Dene history and traditions, including handgames and drum making and is hoping to talk and work with elders in the community who hold traditional knowledge. Following an open door policy, Spies said she welcomes people to her office.

"I don't judge a single person in my life, I never have," she said.

"I come from the frame of mind that I will ... extend my hand out and if you'll take my hand we can work together in healing, but it comes down to a personal choice in each person."

The hiring of a community wellness co-ordinator is part of the First Nation's plan to build capacity in preparation for self-government.