June 2, 2026
qathet, BC — At an awards ceremony in Prince George this weekend, Tlaʼamin Nation was named the recipient of the 2026 Rural BC Community Award, presented by the Rural Coordination Centre of BC.
The annual award is presented to a single BC community recognized under the Rural Practice Subsidiary Agreement for health care excellence. It is among the most distinguished honours a rural BC community can receive for its commitment to local health care delivery.
Tlaʼamin Health operates the largest clinic in the qathet region, serving all Indigenous people in the area. The clinic hosts three nurse practitioners; chronic disease, public health, homecare, and mental health and substance use nursing; clinical counselling; traditional health supports; a dental clinic; and a full harm reduction program including OAT prescribing and PEER supports.
Visiting specialists in neurology, pediatrics, and geriatrics see patients on-site regularly, eliminating travel that would otherwise be a significant barrier. Palliative care, prenatal care, and elder home support round out a model that covers the full continuum of care.
“I don’t think we always realize how lucky we are to have so many services available to our community so close to home, and delivered by our people,” said Hegus John Hackett. “On any given day, our people have access to culturally safe and caring dental, mental health, and primary care. That is something worth celebrating.”
Sixty-seven percent of health staff are Tlaʼamin citizens, ensuring services are built and delivered in a good way. The Nation’s harm reduction program has been especially impactful; 80 percent of Managed Alcohol Program participants have gone on to treatment.
“Tla’amin Health has and will continue to strive for advocacy and health care for everyone we serve,” said Health Director Marlane Paul. “We have an excellent team delivering sensitive and diverse programs and services within a client-centred model of care. I look forward to sharing this recognition with everyone who works directly for Tla’amin Health, along with our partner organizations that make this work possible.”
As winner, Tlaʼamin Nation receives a plaque and a cash prize of $2500 to support a community celebration.
Links:
Check out this short video about Tla’amin health services
Read the RCC story about the award
Media contact:
Davis McKenzie | 778-834-7934 | media@tn-bc.ca