The Mental Health cluster encompasses the Okanagan Nation Response Team (ONRT), You Empowered Strong (YES), Youth Wellness, and the Mental Health and Substance Use Advocate. Led by the Mental Health Lead, the cluster offers Syilx-focused crisis response, prevention and follow-up supports and services.
Rooted in Syilx values, Child and Family Supports and Services aim to create safe and supportive environments for children and families. Guided by the Syilx Nation Family Plan, the team includes Policy and Planning, Family Decision Making, and Early Years.
To support a holistic approach to health and social development which will promote self-sufficient Okanagan Nation communities by integrating our traditional and cultural approaches to community wellness.
For Syilx People, Wellness is holistic and interconnected. Under the mandate of the Chiefs’ Executive Council (CEC) and the guidance of the ONA Wellness Committee the ONA continues to work towards and support the safety, health and well-being of our children, families, communities and land.
The ONA Wellness team continually develops and enhances the services and programs offered to our communities. In addition to the direct services/programs offered, the Wellness team builds individual and community capacity, provides training opportunities and facilitates resource development and sharing within and between the team and the member communities.
ONA strives to provide quality services using a holistic, integrated approach with a Quality Assurance model. The Wellness Committee has developed four strategic priorities, which help to inform some guiding principles.
