Carrier Sekani busy with youth centre

The official opening of the Carrier Sekani Family Services Sk’ai Zeh Yah Youth Centre took place Nov. 20 on National Child Day but the new Prince George facility has been open for a few weeks and staff have already started to build connections with those coming through the door.

Sk’ai Zeh Yah means Children of Chief’s House and the name came from the intentions of upholding the rights of Indigenous children and youth at the centre where everyone eight to 29 years old from all walks of life is welcome.

“It’s been pretty overwhelming actually, we’ve had people consistently coming in and getting breakfast, having a shower, doing laundry and taking food to go with them and just having a warm, dry place to come and hang out where it feels safe for them,” Amy Merritt, director of youth services, said.

The facility, mostly funded by Indigenous Services Canada, offers wrap-around supports for at-risk youth and young adults with a focus on prevention. The centre also offers after-school programming for those eight to 18 within the Walk Tall program that includes picking children up after school and bringing them to the centre for a meal and cultural learning that includes time with elders and recreational activity.

The long term goal for the centre is that it will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and ultimately provide housing as well. Youth and young adults can access the centre at 1575 Second Ave.