The sound of drums filled Cranbrook’s Baker Street Mall Friday as the Ktunaxa Nation held a drum ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Cranbrook Urgent and Primary Care Centre.
The ceremony included drumming by the Numa Kakin’ drummers and a drum was presented by cultural educator Jared Basil to director Shannon Statham.
Basil says the centre will be a safe and respectful space for the Ktunaxa Nation.
“On the exterior of the building you’ll see our Ktunaxa language, on the exterior of the door you’ll see our Ktunaxa language,” Basin says. “For us that’s so important, it’s so meaningful for future generations. To be able to see themselves at the level of inclusion, to be able to see themselves carried at through their language and through their culture and places like this.”
Statham says the drum will be hung in the centre’s waiting room, she was honored to receive the gift.
“Thank you to the drumming that was absolutely beautiful and I still have chills and I’m struggling to find words!” Statham says. “I just really am so appreciative to everyone here today. I’m a born and raised long time member of Cranbrook and I’m so proud to be part of the team bringing this wonderful service to Cranbrook today.”
The centre brings together health care professionals in an effort to provide team based care.
The new facility had already welcomed 40 visitors as of Friday afternoon, it began its phased in opening process on Wednesday.
The centre is open from 10:30 am to 5:30 am Monday to Friday beginning next week.
– Jared Basil, Ktunaxa cultural educator
– Shannon Statham, Cranbrook Urgent and Primary Care Centre Director
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