The Objective of Nak’azdli Social Development is to assist persons on reserve to develop individual and family strengths necessary for people to thrive in today’s society through the delivery of the following programs.
- First Nations Social Development Societies Policy Manual
- Social Development Eligibility (PDF)
Cultural Center Activities:
- Beading and Sewing. Lots of projects planned including aprons, vests, loom beading, and coin purses. Stop by and check out all of the activities.
Ongoing Activities:
- Soup and Bannock
- Cooking
- Dakelh Immersion with Elders
- Garden/Greenhouse
Nak’azdli’s Social Development Programs Include:
Social Support Services for Children and Families
- Establish inter-agency protocols.
- Provide referrals to prevention/intervention programs and services
Advocacy on behalf of Nak’azdli band members with:
- Outside funding agencies
- Ministry of Human Resources
- Ministry Children and Family Development
- Pension
- W.C.B.
- Health Services
- Revenue Canada
Frieda Prince
Social Development Manager
250-996-7272 ext 101
Frieda.Prince@nakazdliwhuten.caCindy Soderstrom
Nak’azdli Band Representative
250-996-7272 ext 102
Cindy.Soderstrom@nakazdliwhuten.caTrey Prince
Receptionist
778-978-0440
Trey.prince@nakazdliwhuten.caVina Sam
Intake Worker
250-996-7272 ext 103
Vina.Sam@nakazdliwhuten.caNicola Prince
Culture Coordinator
250-996-7272 ext 107
Nicola.Prince@nakazdliwhuten.caThe Income Assistance Program provides financial benefits and services to individuals and families on reserve who are in need. Income Assistance is NOT an income. It is a last resort option meant to temporarily assist people in need.
Applying for Income Assistance
Persons With Disabilities
P.W.D. benefits are issued to a client with a P.W.D. designation and can only be done in-house with the assistance of social development staff.
Pre-employment Training
All employable income assistance recipients MUST attend pre-employment training. Nak’azdli Whut'en partners with various institutions and companies to provide pre-employment services throughout the year.
Vina Sam
Income Assistance Intake Worker
250-996-7272 Ext 103
(Vina.Sam@nakazdliwhuten.ca)The purpose of the Advocate Program is to deliver programs that promote the well-being of children and families.
The Band Representative Advocate works in partnership with families, and various community service workers and agencies to ensure children are safe and families receive support services as needed.
Cindy Soderstrom
Nak’azdli Band Representative
250-996-7272 ext 102 Cell: 778-978-4055
Cindy.Soderstrom@nakazdliwhuten.caHow do I access services?
Call the Social Development office 250-996-7272. Reception will provide information on how to apply. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed statutory holidays.
What do I need to apply for Income Assistance?
If you are unemployed and in need of income assistance, please call and book your appointment to see the Intake Worker. For income assistance you will need the application form, current utility bills (hydro, gas, landline telephone), up-to-date resume, rental or mortgage information, recognized identification, identification for all others in the household. You will be asked to sign a release of information to other agencies, for example, EI, former employers, etc.
Who do I see if there is a death in my family?
If the death occurred to an on-reserve resident, contact the Social Development Manager to get information on how this department can assist. The Intake Worker will provide information on costs allowed from this department. Costs allowed through ISC are minimal so family and clan will usually have to pay for extras. Full information and rates are available in Section 11.7 of the Social Development manual. If the death occurred to a member living off-reserve, the local funeral home can provide you with information on coverage.
What is the Culture Program?
The Cultural program provides cultural support for members in the community. The focus is to provide cultural activities and promote food security for Nak’azdli Whut’en. Cultural activities such as beading, cooking, and crafts are offered, and emphasis is on food security through support and teaching on food harvesting and storage are part of the year-round activities.
What does the Assisted Living Program do?
The Assisted Living Program is administered by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). It provides Homemaker services on-reserve. The Homemaker services include meal prep, housekeeping, and non-medical personal care for individuals who need assistance for daily living. The goal is to allow residents to stay in their home and avoid institutionalization.
Adult Institutional Care services are for registered status individuals, be over 19, and be assessed by a Local Health Authority. In order to be placed in an Institutional Care home, the resident must have had a medical condition lasting more than three months and will need proof that they are no longer able to care for themselves.
What does the Band Representative/Advocate do?
The Band Rep is responsible to provide support and advocacy for families involved with MCFD. The Band Representative works closely with MCFD to ensure all Nak’azdli Whut’en policies are adhered to, and families needs are met.
How old do I have to be to be eligible for assistance?
You must be between 19 and 65 years of age to apply for Income Assistance. At 65, you are considered old enough to qualify for Canada Pension Plan and/or Old Age Pension with the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Please contact the Social Development office and someone will help you with your application. All those over 19 must show that they are actively seeking employment in order to qualify for assistance.
What happens if I become disabled?
The Persons with Disabilities (PWD) program is designed to offer extra supports for people unable to be considered employable. If you feel you qualify for disability status, talk to the Intake Worker. The Worker will be able to assist you in submitting the necessary forms. Once the application is submitted, ISC will inform our office whether your disability status was approved.
