nʔaysnúlaʔxʷ Family Wellness Centre

A Syilx-led place for family healing, culture, and connection.

Background / Overview

nʔaysnú̓laʔxʷ, formerly known as Ashnola at the Crossing, is a 58-acre site located within the territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. For many years, the property served as a treatment centre operated by various organizations. Today, it is being reimagined as a Nation-based, Syilx-led youth and family wellness centre rooted in Syilx culture and values.

In 2021 the Central City Foundation approached the ONA to explore the possibility of transforming the site into a Nation-based initiative. Guided by the Chiefs Executive Council ONA accepted the role of facilitator, engaging and collaborating with the Lower Similkameen Indian Band and bringing together Syilx communities to shape a new vision for the future of nʔaysnú̓laʔxʷ.

Through extensive engagement and consultation with communities across the Syilx Nation – a shared vision began to emerge. Rather than continuing as a conventional treatment facility, nʔaysnú̓laʔxʷ will become a place of healing, connection, and wellness grounded in Syilx knowledge, language, culture, and community.

This work marks more than the revitalization of a physical space; it represents the return of nʔaysnú̓laʔxʷ to a purpose shaped and led by Syilx people, creating a place where youth and families can reconnect, heal, and thrive for generations to come.

The Vision

A central element of this vision is creating opportunities for participants and their families to reside at the site for extended periods of time, engaging in immersive healing experiences that support long-term wellness, cultural reconnection, and family restoration. Through land-based activities, cultural teachings, mentorship, and wellness supports, participants will have the opportunity to live, learn, heal, and grow within a safe and supportive environment.

The centre is intended to be a flexible and evolving model—one that can respond to the changing needs of the community over time. While its roots will remain firmly grounded in Syilx culture and healing, its programs and approaches will continue to grow and adapt. In this way, nʔaysnú̓laʔxʷ reflects a living tree: deeply rooted Syilx values, yet always growing, adapting, and responding to the seasons around it.

The centre is envisioned as a shared healing space for the entire Syilx Nation, while recognizing and honouring its location within the Lower Similkameen community.

Community Engagement

At the heart of nʔaysnú̓laʔxʷ is the collective voice of the Syilx people.

Since the beginning of this process, ongoing engagement with communities across the Nation has shaped the vision for the wellness centre. The insights, experiences, and aspirations shared by community members continue to guide the centre’s future programming, operations, and long-term vision.

To support the Wellness Committee in their mandate, the nʔaysnúlaʔxʷ Advisory Committee was put together to advise, inform and guide the nʔaysnúlaʔxʷ project. The Advisory Committee is guided by the Enowkinwixw principles of respect, trust, and inclusion, and integrates our traditional and cultural approaches to Nation wellbeing.

To ensure well-rounded perspectives, the Advisory Committee includes membership of representation from each community, as well as our strategic partners. Partner Organizations include Central City Foundation, First Nations Health Authority and Interior Health.

The roles and responsibilities of the Advisory Committee include providing feedback on ideas for initiatives and programs that enhance nʔaysnúlaʔxʷ, ensuring community engagement plans are appropriate, and serve as a resource for communication to and from the community on relevant matters.

What is the CCWG?

The Clinical & Cultural Working Group (CCWG) is a group of cultural leaders, knowledge keepers, and health professionals who are helping design how the Wellness Centre will function day to day. They ensure the program reflects Syilx teachings while meeting health and safety standards.

Key Definitions

Clinical: Health supports provided by trained professionals such as counsellors, social workers, and nurses. These supports are trauma-informed (aware of how past hurt affects people today).

Cultural: Syilx teachings, language, land-based healing, ceremony, Elders’ guidance, and community responsibilities.

What Does the CCWG Do?

The CCWG helps turn the vision of nʔaysnúlaʔxʷ into a safe, structured, and culturally grounded program.

Design the Program Model – decide who the program serves, how long people stay, and what daily healing looks like.
Develop Curriculum – create healing activities, cultural teachings, and daily schedules.
Create Intake & Discharge Processes – guide how people enter the program and how they continue healing afterward.
Develop Policies & Safety Guidelines – ensure cultural, emotional, and physical safety.
Develop Staffing Model – determine who works at the Centre and clearly define their roles.

How Decisions Are Made

The CCWG follows the en’owkinwixw process. This means listening to all voices, speaking respectfully, and working toward consensus (agreement together). Larger issues can be brought forward to the nʔaysnúlaʔxʷ advisory committee.

Engagement Activities

Pop-Up Community Engagements

Pop-up engagement sessions were held during International Overdose Awareness Day events at Westbank First Nation and Osoyoos Indian Band.

One-to-One Interviews

Individual interviews were conducted with members of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB).

Elder Surveys

Elders from several Syilx communities were invited to complete surveys at Elder gatherings and community events. These surveys explored questions about family support, cultural values, balance within families, and what it means for families to be culturally thriving

Youth Leadership Gathering Surveys

Youth attending the Youth Leadership Gathering at the ONA Annual General Assembly in July 2024 in Osoyoos were invited to participate in a survey reflecting on family wellbeing, cultural values, and what supports youth and families need to thrive.

Youth Visioning and Dotmocracy

Youth from communities across the Southern Okanagan were invited to visit the nʔaysnú̓laʔxʷ site to tour the land and participate in visioning activities. Through discussions and dotmocracy voting, youth shared ideas about programming, health supports, and how cultural connection contributes to wellness.

Lower Similkameen Indian Band Focus Groups

Two focus groups were held with members of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band — one with community members and staff, and one with youth — to discuss community wellness in an open and collaborative format.

Timeline

2021 – PRESERVING THE VISION

Central City Foundation (CCF), ONA and LSIB begin exploring the future of Ashnola at the Crossing as a culturally gouning and healing wellness centre.

2022 – EXPLORING POSIBILITIES

Partners identified community needs, review wellness models and explore how the site could support the vision.

2023 – BUILDING TOGETHER

Partners form the Project Team and begin the guiding development thriugh regular meetings and collaboration.

2024 – LEARNING AND ENGAGMENT

Community engagement begins, youth gatherings, elder surveys, site visits, focus groups and community conversations begin to shape nʔaysnú̓laʔxʷ

2025 – ESTABLISHING VALUES

The Advisory Committee is established, governance options are explored and the What We Heard Report captures communnity visdom and aspirations.

2026 – FROM VISION TO ACTION

Governance structures, Clinical and Cultural Working Groups, curriculum, policies, staffing models and operational plans are developed.

2026 – Next Steps

Preparing for the opening of a culturally grounding, trauma-informed practice for youth and their families serving Syilx families across the Nation. Sharing the healing power of nʔaysnú̓laʔxʷ with future generations.

Every step of this journey has been guided by community voices, Syilx Values, and shared commitment to healing generations.

iʔ scx̌asəsmil̕tət – when we are doing well in our living