A long-term care facility at the Okanagan Indian Band would address a lot of the gaps we talked about and would help with the continuity of care. Access to culturally appropriate long-term care is very limited right now, as it's 64 kilometres away. Okanagan Indian Band faces a lot of barriers for transportation and for the ability to maintain relationships and connection with their aging family members if they're that far away.
It's also important to note that while the first nations facility is there, it's rooted in their culture. It's not rooted in Okanagan Indian Band culture. The cultural connection piece is missing. The impact of removal from one's community can be very traumatizing and symbolic of removals endured in childhood.