Red Rock Indian Band News!

from SNCFDC Regional Update Feb.2010

 Thunder Bay, ON – Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (Dilico) and Red Rock First Nation are pleased to announce the opening of Dilico’s Heath Park Site which is the new home of Dilico’s Children’s Mental Health Services.  This announcement marks another successful partnership – between two First Nation organizations – aimed at improving the health and well-being of Anishinabek children and families residing in the District of Thunder Bay.

Dilico’s Heath Park Site is located at 1115 Yonge Street (the former Heath Park School).  Over the past few years, Dilico has experienced significant growth and the additional 48,000 square feet of space provided at the new site will accommodate the growing needs of the Agency.

 “The move to Heath Park will help make services more accessible to our  clients and ensure that we continue to deliver the best car possible”, said Rose Pittis, Dilico’s Director of Mental Health and addictions Services.  “It also provides a better work environment for staff, as we have outgrown our Main Office building on Fort William First Nation.”

Anishinabek children and families in the District of Thunder Bay will be able to access the following children’s mental health services at the new Heath Park Site: Children’s Clinical and Counseling Support Services, Family Preservation Services, and Infant/Child Development Services.  Individuals
and organizations can make a referral to any Dilico Children’s Mental Health program by contacting *707) 475-7890.

Following the purchase of the building in 2008, Red Rock First Nation worked together with Dilico in order to meet Dilico’s space requirements. Most of the renovations to the former Heath Park School are internal, preserving the character of the 81 year-old historical building.  The former school has been integral part of the neighbourhood community and many individuals and families, who have lived in this area for decades, are happy to see that the building will continue to be used in a way that helps improve the wellbeing of children and families. 

“The purchase of Heath Park School is an excellent economic development opportunity for our community” said Red Rock First Nation Chief Pierre Pelletier.  “It is also something very good for our people – we want to ensure the ongoing health and wellbeing of our children and families.” 

Red Rock First Nation is located approximately 100 kilometers east of the City of Thunder Bay, and 2 kilometers east of the Township of Nipigon.  The community consists of two sections: Parmacheene Reserve 53 and Lake Helen Reserve 53A.  The total area covered by these two reserves is approximately 950 acres and the total number of registered Band members is 1463. 

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care provides a range of responsive individual, family and community programs for the complete life journey of all Anishinabek people.  The agency cares for the physical health, the mental health, and the health of the communities where Anishinabek people live by promoting wellness, preventing illness and trauma, and providing diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Dilico’s programs and services are available for Anishinabek residents of any age in Dilico’s jurisdiction, and for children in the care of Dilico and their caregivers.