Wellness center opens its doors
USK, Wash. – A large, elegant, state-of-the-art wellness center was formally opened on the Kalispel Reservation Feb. 8. The Camas Center sits on a low rise overlooking buffalo pasture, beautiful pow wow grounds, and the Pend Oreille River.
Tribal elder Stan Bluff began the ceremony with a simple comment that perhaps best sums up the feelings of many in attendance: ”The vision of the tribe has now come true.”
Bluff explained how Indian people had lived in this valley long ago. They lived simple lives, gathering what was needed from Mother Earth. ”Everything was natural. They had a healthy diet and were very active. They led a healthy life.” Later, during what he termed the ”fast food era,” inactivity and fatty foods caused tribal health to begin deteriorating.
”To me, this building is a Godsend,” he said. ”I respect the visions of our tribal leaders. When they got the resources, the first thing they wanted to do was to build a wellness center for our people and especially our children. We now have a health facility and medical clinic so we can start living a healthy way of life.”
Darren Holmes, director of recreation and fitness for the Camas Center, also serves as secretary on the tribal council. He guided the project from the beginning.
”I feel very blessed to have been involved and the role that God has let me play. The opening of this facility and the programs offered mark the beginning of a fun, family-oriented resource that will benefit not only tribal members but the community as a whole.”
The building measures 77,000 square feet. Entering through the front door, one steps into a long grand entry two stories high, finished with Native stone and wood. A seating area with a fireplace offers room for friends to meet and relax. Three meeting rooms open off one side and can be combined into a single space of 3,300 square feet. A small cafe separates these rooms from a full-sized gymnasium that will seat 300.
A huge natatorium occupies much of the central area with wading pools adorned with large mushroom shaped fountains and two slides for the youngsters. A swimming pool provides exercise space for older children and adults with a massive window to the outside.
Another room provides both pool and foosball tables. An adjoining room will be lined with computers for public use.
The Early Learning Center is located to the left of the main door with separate rooms for children ranging in age from as young as one month through kindergarten. The center can handle nearly 100 students and it’s already full with a current waiting list. It contains its own full kitchen that provides students with healthy meals. One door opens to play yards which will be equipped with fall-zone padding.
Cheryl Sample heads up the early learning center. She pointed out that students use the gym two days a week and the water facilities another two days a week.
”It’s amazing how greatly the fitness level has improved since we opened,” Sample said.
The second level contains 14,000 square feet. In it are dozens of the latest physical fitness machines plus a room set up for circuit training, in which a person progresses around the room using each machine in sequence. A number of offices are also located on the second floor.
Joe Pakootas, executive director of Camas Path which forms the umbrella organization for Camas Center, explained that the medical facility will open in another wing of the center soon. ”There will be exam rooms, X-ray, labs, physical therapy and physical therapy pools, and even chiropractic,” he said. ”We will also look at community needs in terms of alternative medicines.”
Holmes explained the tribe financed the building through gaming revenues. Total cost was $18 million.
Holmes concluded, saying, ”We’re going to make sure we serve our tribal members, but it is for the entire community. We understand that the things that happen around you affect you as well and so that makes all of us better.”
