Substance use support and individual and family counselling.
Blueberry River First Nations offers counselling services to its members, including NNADAP and AA supports, youth counselling and family and individual counselling. A visiting alcohol and drug counsellor comes to the community two days per month; appointments are required. Check the monthly calendar for visit dates and call 250-785-3411 to arrange an appointment. The Health Office lists weekday hours of 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; confirm service-specific availability with the Community Health Worker.
Administrative, advisory and financial assistance for eligible Blueberry River First Nations members pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training.
The program supports eligible registered Blueberry River First Nations members pursuing post-secondary and vocational goals. Support may include education funding, budgeting and career planning advice, job-market research and help identifying financial resources. The posted application deadlines are June 1 for a September start, October 1 for a January start and March 1 for a May start; confirm current policy, eligibility and deadlines with the Education Department. Applications may be sent to ktaylor@blueberryfn.ca or mailed to Box 3030, Buick, BC V0C 2R0.
Family support and advocacy for Blueberry River First Nations families, including help navigating child welfare matters.
The Family Support Worker provides support and advocacy for Blueberry River First Nations families on and off reserve and works with families involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). The page lists family and individual counselling, National Child Benefit Reinvestment, family violence, active measures and child welfare supports. The worker also liaises with MCFD to support culturally sensitive services. Published hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Contact the Family Support Worker at 250-630-2830 to ask about the appropriate service.
Housing and infrastructure support for Blueberry River First Nations membership.
Housing and Public Works maintains Nation facilities and infrastructure and provides members with home and property services under the Housing Policy. Public Works describes minor home repairs, water treatment and sewer/lagoon operations, road maintenance including snow removal and de-icing, and household solid-waste and recycling collection on reserve. Contact the relevant coordinator to confirm eligibility, service boundaries and current availability.
Medical travel mileage and meal allowances for eligible Blueberry River First Nations members.
Blueberry River First Nations Health Benefits offers meal and mileage allowances for travel to and from medical services. The published rates include $70.50 per night for stays up to seven nights ($30 per night for children under 9); for trips of seven nights or more, a weekly rate applies, capped at $425 per week for the client and an approved escort. Same-day travel of six hours or more is listed at $35.50 per person age 5 or older and $17 for children under 5. Private vehicle mileage is reimbursed at $0.35 per kilometre. Confirm eligibility, approval requirements, current rates and claim steps with the Community Health Worker.
Education Department lists Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12, adult education, trades training and a boarding allowance program.
Blueberry River First Nations lists Blueberry School as offering Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 and adult education, and describes the “True to Ourselves” trades training partnership. The Nation’s Education Department page also lists a boarding allowance for eligible on-reserve youth entering grades 9–12 to study in Fort St. John; the page states Indian Status and usual reserve residence are eligibility requirements and lists a 75% attendance expectation. The community school building was destroyed by fire on January 17, 2025; the Nation said it planned to rebuild, but the current school location and arrangements were not confirmed in the sources reviewed. Contact the Education Department before relying on in-person school availability or applying; older forms and dates on the page may be outdated.
Public library services for Fort St. John and Peace River Regional District Electoral Area B and C residents.
Provides public access to books and other materials, free computer and internet access, programs for children, teens and adults, and reference and information service. The library also offers interlibrary loans, home delivery, Books by Mail, and accessible alternative-format services. Branch: 10015 100th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 1Y7. Phone: 250-785-3731. Check the library website for current hours and service details.
Service Areas: Altona, Baldonnel, Buick, Cecil Lake, Charlie Lake, Clairmont, Clayhurst, Flatrock, Fort St. John, Goodlow, Old Fort, Osborn, Prespatou, Two Rivers, Upper Halfway, Wonowon
Location: 10015 100th Avenue, Fort St. John, British Columbia
Kindergarten-to-grade-12 education for students from Altona, with English language learning, learning assistance, inclusion support, school meals and StrongStart.
Prespatou Elementary-Secondary School teaches kindergarten through grade 12 and welcomes students from Prespatou, Buick Creek and Altona. Its school page lists English-language learning, learning assistance and inclusion supports. The grounds also host community events. Contact the school about enrolment and current programs.
Service Areas: Altona, Buick, Prespatou
Location: 22113 Triad Road, Prespatou, British Columbia