Young people in Burns Lake and surrounding communities now have better access to vital mental-health and substance-use services with the opening of a new Foundry centre in Burns Lake.

“Young people today are navigating an increasingly complex world. While they continue to show remarkable resilience and strength, they deserve access to the right supports to make that journey a little easier,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Foundry centres create welcoming spaces where youth feel empowered to reach out for help, and where that courage is always met with compassion and understanding. We’re proud to support this meaningful addition to the Burns Lake community, an important step toward building a province where young people can grow, heal and thrive.”

Foundry Burns Lake is a welcoming, culturally informed space where young people ages 12 to 24, and their families, can access free, confidential and age-appropriate health and wellness supports.

“This grand opening represents a major milestone in our journey to transform Indigenous youth wellness in the region,” said Warner Adam, CEO, Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS). “The CSFS Youth House and Foundry will play a pivotal role in shaping the future for the young generation from all walks of life. Youth can find their way to make good choices for a lasting impact into adulthood, as well as a vital hub for integrated care, offering young people the support they need to thrive.”

The centre, at 686 McPhail Rd., is operated by CSFS and located on the territories of Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Wet’suwet’en First Nation, Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band and Skin Tyee First Nation. It is the second Indigenous-led Foundry centre in B.C.

The location includes an integrated health and wellness centre, a CSFS youth-services drop-in centre, and indoor and outdoor spaces for young people to gather and connect with drop-in counselling, peer support, physical and sexual health care, and social services, such as work and education support. Services can be accessed by dropping in to the centre or booking in-person or virtual appointments through the Foundry B.C. app.

“Foundry is an incredibly important program for today’s youth,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions. “It provides a place where young people feel seen, heard and supported. Here, they can build life skills and find help navigating an increasingly complex world. With access to this care, youth are better equipped to face challenges with confidence and move forward with hope and resilience.”

Community members, youth and the local school district helped shape Foundry Burns Lake, from planning and design to the services offered. The Province is providing ongoing annual funding to support operations and services at the centre, as well as one-time funding of $875,000 to help establish the centre.

“The opening of Foundry Burns Lake is a proud moment for our organization, the community and the Nations we serve,” said Travis Holyk, chief administrative officer, CSFS. “It reflects our commitment to supporting youth and families with timely access to culturally safe and judgment-free health and social services. We worked extensively with the community and our youth advisory council, who helped shape the centre in a way that would suit their needs in the best way possible. Burns Lake Foundry is a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of our young people.”

Foundry Burns Lake is part of a $13-million project made possible through the support and collaboration of partners, donors and contributors, including Indigenous Services Canada, Northern Development Initiative Trust, Rio Tinto, Artemis Gold and Wheaton Precious Metals community partnership, Babine Forest Products and the Province.

Enhancing supports for people of all ages living with mental-health and addiction challenges is an integral part of government’s work to build a full continuum of mental-health and substance-use care that works for everyone.

Quotes:

Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“Foundry Burns Lake is more than a building, it’s a way of showing young people that they matter and that help is here, close to home. Indigenous-led, community-driven care like this is reconciliation in action.”

Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development –

“I’m so glad young people in Burns Lake will now have new health supports designed specifically for youth. Through this new Foundry centre, youth will receive culturally grounded care provided close to home. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring this vital resource to life for Burns Lake and the surrounding communities. I know it will make a world of difference to youth and families in the region.”

Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs –

“This new centre gives young people in Burns Lake a safe and welcoming space to get the help they need, close to home. It’s a place where they can connect, heal and build a strong future. Our government is happy to support projects like this, ones that make a real difference in people’s lives and help communities grow in ways that matter.”

Learn More:

Foundry services can be accessed from anywhere through the Foundry B.C. app or at: https://foundrybc.ca/virtual.

To learn more about A Pathway to Hope, government’s vision for mental-health and addictions care in B.C, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021MMHA0049-001787

To learn more about Foundry, visit: https://foundrybc.ca/

To learn how B.C. is building better mental-health and addictions care, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/BetterCare

A backgrounder follows.