A History of Dedication
& Community
From a small local committee in 1997 to a recognized regional society serving over 22,000 people — this is our journey.
How It All Began
The Northwest Regional FASD Society (NWR FASD Society Mackenzie Network) was incorporated on May 31, 2003 by community stakeholders with the vision of providing FASD awareness, education, and a Rural FASD Diagnostic service for the Mackenzie region.
"Today, the NWR FASD Society Mackenzie Network is recognized in the region and beyond for the work that is being done for individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder."
Prior to incorporating, the Local FASD Committee was established in 1997 to identify the gaps in services and resources for persons and families living with FASD in the Mackenzie Region. What started as a small committee has grown into a vital regional network serving communities across 116,000 km².
Milestones Through the Years
Local FASD Committee Established
Community stakeholders in the Mackenzie Region came together to identify gaps in services and resources for persons and families living with FASD. This grassroots committee laid the foundation for everything that followed.
SEED Funding & First Awareness Programs
The FASD Committee applied for SEED funding and implemented the first program of FASD awareness and community education in the Mackenzie Region — bringing critical information to families and professionals across the area.
Rural Diagnostic Team Planning Begins
In addition to ongoing FASD awareness and education, serious discussion and planning began around the potential for a Rural Diagnostic Team — a service that would prove transformative for the region.
Official Incorporation — May 31, 2003
The Northwest Regional FASD Society was officially incorporated. Training of local professionals for a diagnostic team began, based on the Seattle Model of diagnostics and trained by the Lakeland Centre for FASD.
First Diagnostic Clinic — February 2004
The Society held its first FASD diagnostic clinic in February 2004. By December, three more clinics had been held, with increasing requests for assessments, education, supports, and awareness across the region.
Northern Lights Health Region Partnership
When funding for the FASD Clinic Coordinator was exhausted, Northern Lights Health Region — through the Primary Care Network — agreed to take on coordination. This partnership continues today with funding from Alberta Cross-Ministry Committee (FASD-CMC) and the NWR FASD Society.
Regional FASD Conference & Agency Network
A major FASD conference was held May 31–June 2, 2007, featuring Jan Lutke, Diane Malbin, and Nathan Ory along with other provincial FASD programs. The first Agency Network meeting followed in July, re-engaging community agencies to better serve the population living with FASD.
Official Amalgamation — January 2009
The Mackenzie Regional Network of agencies and the Northwest Regional FASD Society officially amalgamated under the legal entity of the Northwest Regional Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Society, now known as the NWR FASD Society Mackenzie Network.
Recognized Regional Leader
More than 25 years after the original FASD Committee was formed, the NWR FASD Society Mackenzie Network is recognized in the region and beyond for its work supporting individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder — continuing to grow, adapt, and serve.
Our Community in Photos
Our Mission, Vision & Goals
Mission
To enable communities to work towards substance free pregnancies, addressing historical pathways, while supporting individuals and families impacted with FASD.
Vision
Reconciling the Past, Informing the Present, Shaping the Future.
Goals
- Coordinate with the Health Region to ensure services within the region are provided
- Increase awareness, knowledge and resources to families and individuals living with FASD across the lifespan
- Collaborate with and support schools, communities and external agencies
- Remove the stigma and break down barriers surrounding FASD
- Work towards no prenatal alcohol or drug exposure during pregnancy
The Mackenzie Region
The NWR FASD Society Mackenzie Network catchment area extends across the northwestern part of Alberta — from British Columbia to the west, north to the Northwest Territories border, east just inside Wood Buffalo National Park, and south to Keg River.
Our organization collaborates with Fort Vermilion School Division, Social Services agencies, Justice, Health, Victim Services, Maternal Health programs, NADAAP programs, and other organizations to work towards our goals and mission.