Youth Services

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Shun Huznuta began in 2019, located at the 6-mile house on Nak’azdli Whut’en, this program provided youth who are transitioning as young adults with wrap around services to navigate the journey in a safe, secure, and supported way.

The program was open to youth and young adults aged 16-24. The Youth Support Team supported and guided the youth and young adults to develop and implement an individual service plan that identified their goals both holistically and culturally. Youth workers provided one-on-one supports and intervention to youth and young adults in community who identified as needing support by concerned family or community members, school, community service providers or at the request of the youth.

A naming contest took place. The name “Shun Huznuta” was submitted by Genevieve Pierre and translates as “Finding their song”.  According to the late Evalie Murdock, it describes a traditional practice where youth were sent out in isolation at the time of puberty to find their vision, their purpose—their song.  It marked the transition from childhood to adulthood.  The name Shun Huznuta described the purpose of the program and provided youth a place where they could be supported to find their song and reach their full potential.

The original program at the 6-mile house closed in December of 2021. Ten youth were provided support and services since the beginning of the program.

The Youth Services program was renamed Shun Huznuta Youth Services to honor the name that was given to the program in 2020/2021 by Genevieve Pierre, translate to "Finding their song." The Grand opening of the Youth Services Building was held in October 2023.