Xatśūll First Nation is taking an exciting step for the future of its members.
The First Nation announced Friday, Oct. 31, that it will reclaim the land and stewardship where the Nenqayni Wellness Centre currently operates, as of April 1, 2026.
In its statement, Xatśūll says the decision was not made lightly, and reflects on discussions within the First Nation community over the past decade.
“Xatśūll is actually really excited and we’re looking forward to what we can do on the land that Nenqayni is currently sitting on,” Kukwpi7(Chief) Rhonda Phillips told Vista Radio.
“We’ve brought it to our community and it’s been a very positive response. There’s a strong feeling of pride and unity within our community, and I think it’s a very important step in self-determination and planning for our future needs of our growing nation.”
Xatśūll stated the decision to reclaim the lands is deeply rooted in the Nation’s long-term vision of meeting its members’ needs of healing, wellness, and community connection, particularly concerning the impacts of the drug crisis.
The land carries strong cultural and community memories of healing along with the lives touched by the work done there for generations. Xatśūll says it will continue to honour and celebrate that history, as well as the positive impacts that Nenqayni has had in the community.
As for the First Nation’s next steps, Kukwpi7 Phillips says she and the council will be talking with their community on how best to move forward.
“Right now we are going to be doing a lot of community engagement and working with our team to find out what programs and services would best serve our membership,” Kukwpi7 Phillips said. “We’re a growing nation, and so we need to expand our programs and services to meet the needs of our people who are moving back home.”
Starting next month, Nenqayni will transistion to in-community services and outreach.
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