April a month of celebrations in FSJ
Autism Acceptance Month
“Autism Awareness is knowing autism exists. Autism Acceptance is about embracing them as they are, with strengths and weaknesses” – Autistic Self-Advocate and blogger Lyric Holmans.
In the spirit of going beyond simple awareness to acceptance of autism, Lyndsay Beer, Behaviour Interventionist and owner of Ascend Behaviour & Family Support Services, asked Fort St. John City Council to proclaim April 2024 Autism Acceptance Month.
“With this small word change we hope to encourage adaptive community events that promote inclusion,” Beer said. “Acceptance should create ongoing conversations on how we can support and empower autistic individuals.”
Beer said she appreciates all the sensory events the city has created, such as the Sensory Friendly Swim at the pool and spaces like the parent tent at Canada Day Celebrations and the Kids’ Zone tent at the recent High on Ice Festival.
AutismBC identified 56 individuals in the Peace region with autism, and a further 100 awaiting assessments.
“We know that number underrepresents the autistic community. We know of at least 85 autistic children and youth. That number doesn’t include adults or those waiting for assessment.”
Beer says there are also more individuals in Dawson Creek, Hudson’s Hope and Fort Nelson with autism. As a result, the need for accessible events and opportunities is growing.
“It is our hope that with a proclamation for Autism Acceptance, the conversation can be reignited on ways we can all create more inclusive and supportive environments,” she said.
Centennial Park stage will Put its Purple On, April 5 for Dental Hygienists Week
People tend to forget that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body, and how important it is for overall health to have a healthy mouth, local dental hygienists Tammy Gulevich and Michelle Foster told City Council.
Of the 30,000 dental hygienists in Canada, approximately 25 work in Fort St. John. Gulevich said when she first came to the city 30 years ago, she was the first dental hygienist working in a private practice.
“I’ve been very glad to see the profession grow, and the awareness in the community of the importance of dental hygiene,” she said.
Dental hygienists work in a variety of practices, people most traditionally see them working in regular dental practices.
Gulevich and Foster are both independent dental hygienists – Foster has her own stand alone clinic, while Gulevich has a mobile practice and visits long-term care facilities in the area.
Hygienists provide a variety of services, from scaling and cleaning, to oral cancer screening, sealants and fluoride, as well as dietary recommendations.
This year, Dental Hygiene Week is focusing on Seniors, Gulevich said.
“There is a lack of care, not just in facilities, but in access to care.”
These barriers are not only financial, but can be socio-economic barriers, or simply a lack of awareness of the importance of oral health in relation to total health.
Gulevich said that dental hygienists are primary care providers.
“Northern Health is looking at primary care clinics, and we hope in the future that dental hygienists will have a seat at that table,” she said.
Dental Hygienist Week takes place April 4 to 10, and this year’s theme is Oral Health for Total Health. In recognition, the city has arranged for the stage in Centennial Park to be lit up in purple on April 5.
April is Sikh Heritage Month
“Our values extend beyond religious boundaries, embracing all individuals in need of support and nourishment.”
The Sikh community has been growing in Fort St. John since 1987, when the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple and Cultural Society was founded.
April marks the birth of Khalsa, and its teachings of equality, community service and social justice. Vaisakhi is celebrated every April and marks the Sikh New Year, Shubhdeep Kaur said when she and priest Gurprem Singh spoke to council to raise awareness about Sikh Heritage Month.
By designating April as Sikh Heritage Month, Kaur said they hope to raise awareness of the Sikh culture, history and traditions, provide an opportunity for cultural exchange and foster a deeper appreciation for the diversity that enriches the community.
The Guru Nanak Sikh Temple serves as beacon of support for people transitioning to life in Fort St. John from across Canada and the world. It’s a welcoming centre for Sikhs and people from diverse backgrounds, where they can find assistance when they come into the community.
“Our values extend beyond religious boundaries, embracing all individuals in need of support and nourishment,” she said. “For newcomers to Fort St. John and nearby communities, Guru Nanak Sikh Temple offers a warm and inclusive environment, fostering connections and serving as a pillar of support.”
It works to bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of community for all.
One of the things all Sikh places of worship have is a langar or community kitchen, said Kaur. Every Saturday and Sunday, the langar provides free food in Fort St. John, where anyone can come in and enjoy a meal, regardless of their faith.
Over time, the number of people coming in has increased to the point where the building can no longer accommodate everyone who wishes to attend. So, an expansion of the Temple is needed, and will be starting in the next couple of months, Kaur told council.
This is partly because there is no Sikh Temple in either Dawson Creek or Hudson’s Hope, so the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple is the only place of Sikh worship in the Peace. As a result of being a central place of worship, the demand for using the facility has expanded and the langar, which is run by volunteers, is now booked months in advance.
“Anyone can come at any time,” Kaur said. The doors of the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple are open until 10 p.m. every day and Priest Gurprem Singh is always on site.
In recognition of Sikh Heritage Month, the Sikh flag will be flown at City Hall.