Pee Kis Kwe Tan Society struggling to identify needs

CALLING LAKE – Due in part to the pandemic the Pee Kis Kwe Tan (Let’s Talk) Society located in Wabasca has run into challenges connecting with residents in the communities of Calling Lake, Red Earth and Chipewyan Lake. 

Liaison survey takers with the non-profit are struggling to complete the survey as residents may be fearful of a stranger knocking on the door, or possible exposure to the coronavirus or both, explained Dwayne Yellowknee, an addictions counsellor with the Pee Kis Kwe Tan Society. 

“One of the big things is having someone come to your door and then trying to explain what the survey is and having to explain what the grant is all about,” said Yellowknee. 

Fred Auger, another addictions counsellor with the society, said the nonprofit has received a grant from the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Association of Alberta June 1 and started trying to connect with people who may be feeling anxious or depressed, who are not able to go out and may feel their lives are restricted due to the pandemic. 

“The survey is about how the COVID-19 has affected you daily and what kind of service supports you require. This is a short survey and does not take a lot of time to fill out. We could possibly go from door-to-door and this is for both the M.D. (of Opportunity) and also for the Big Stone band members,” Auger said, adding the funding will run until November. 

The grant requires the non-profit to reach out so they can identify who needs assistance with depression, substance abuse, mental health issues, help dealing with family violence, suicide intervention and more, and Auger said they will be doing a mail-out in Calling Lake. 

“They'll be receiving them in their mailboxes and we're requesting that they drop them off back at the post office once completed. And we're going to be providing a box in there – not a mailbox but a drop-off box – something that's going to be behind the counter,” said Auger. 

Some of the feedback received included a need for better cellular service in remote areas, better access to food and medication, and more youth programs, but generally, what has come back already has been positive. 

“Some of the people so far have been saying that cell service is not very good in some areas which is part of the health – for emergencies and things. And so far, our surveys have been very positive but we need more; we need a better response,” Auger said. 

Residents of Calling Lake, Red Earth and Chipewyan Lake are encouraged to contact the Pee Kis Kwe Tan Society office in Wabasca at 780-891-3640 if they think they missed the survey. 

Heather Stocking, TownandCountryToday.com
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