Biigtigong Nishnaabeg celebrates opening of new health centre

August 2, 2018

Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation celebrated the grand opening of the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Mno-zhi-yaawgamig (formerly known as the Pic River Health Centre) on August 1, 2018. Photo supplied.

BIIGTIGONG NISHNAABEG FIRST NATION—Elders, dignitaries, local leadership, health staff and citizens gathered on August 1 in Biigtigong Nishnaabeg for a true celebration – the opening of the The Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Mno-zhi-yaawgamig (formerly known as the Pic River Health Centre).

Grand Council Chief Glen Hare acknowledged many prominent individuals who helped make the health center a possibility.

Erica Perkins, Health and Social Services Director, is described as a champion for her First Nation, a guardian of health for citizens of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and a highly regarded health care professional in the province. Perkins was bound and determined to see this dream come true.

Lawrence Dorey, Thunder Bay Zone Facilities Manager for Indigenous Services Canada, was instrumental in securing the funding for this project and ensuring the centre was completed on time and on budget.

Grand Council Chief Glen (left) Hare assists Elder Elmer Chourchene (right), Erica Perkins (right) and other council members cut the ceremonial grand opening ribbon on August 1. Photo supplied.

The Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Mno-zhi-yaawgamig offers: Addiction Services, Children’s Oral Health Initiative (COHI), Community Health Programs, Local Medical Transportation, Traditional Healer Appointments, Family Physician Appointments, Information on Non-Insured Health Benefits, Diabetes Services, Home & Community Care Services, Home Visits, Immunizations, Flu Clinics, Foot Care, Recreation Programs, and Social Service Programs.

The official ground breaking ceremony took place on November 24, 2016, to begin the construction of the new health centre.