Cover has been hired by the Yaqan Nukiy (Lower Kootenay Band), representing the Seven Nations of the Interior (the Dãkelh Dené, Ktunaxa, Nlaka’pamux, Secwepemc, St’át’imc, Syilx and Tsilhqot’in), to design the Seven Nations Soaring Eagle Healing Centre on Yaqan Nukiy land in Creston BC. The project intention is to provide a space to help facilitate a newly developed Indigenous healing program based in ceremony and transformation. The project includes seven buildings and extensive site work, including a Healing Centre, and on-site housing for clients. The healing outcomes of the design work is considered and prioritized at every opportunity.
The Healing Centre follows from the critical work and efforts of Mary Basil, who recognized the need for alcohol and substance recovery within her Ktunaxa community and opened her own home for this care in the 1980s, and developed the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Wellness Centre in the 1990s, but which was closed in 2005. This Seven Nations Soaring Eagle Healing Centre would not be possible without her extensive advocacy and care and represents the return of this critically important healing work to the community.
The design work is ongoing with construction expected to begin in 2023.