Coming Full Circle

December 30, 2020

By Jordan Cryderman

The Sk’ai Zeh Yah Youth Centre hosted its virtual grand opening back in November, which not only celebrated the new space for youth, but also the hard work and dedication that went into the making of the centre. Two individuals who were instrumental in the construction of the new Youth Services building not only helped physically build it, but also spiritually.

Rob and Ciana Rivey, owner and operators of Rivey Renovations, were hired to renovate the old forestry consultant building into a space where youth could come and hang out, or access services to get them back on their feet. However, the personal stories of both Rob and Ciana also contributed to the creation of the Sk’ai Zeh Yah, as they themselves were under-privileged youths. 

In fact, Flint Kiel, CSFS High Risk Youth Services Manager, is very familiar with Ciana, as he used to be her social worker. Flint helped Ciana get back on her feet as a youth, and now she, along with her husband Rob, have come full circle and embraced the spirit of giving back.

“I’m happy to see Ciana and Rob flourishing in their life, that’s a wonderful thing,” says Flint. “Especially because I did work with Ciana when she was younger, and to see her grow and become this amazing person is remarkable… it’s everything.”

Flint was impressed by the work of Rob as well, as he knew Rob’s heart was set on making Sk’ai Zeh Yah a special place.

“He [Rob] cares not only about the work he’s doing, but about who’s gonna be here. He was so happy that we were doing this, and to see the smile on his face and that he truly, genuinely cared about the space and about what we were doing.”

Rob himself said he couldn’t have been more pleased with being a part of the process, and was extremely grateful for Flint hiring him and Ciana.

“He [Flint] gave us an opportunity, and it progressed, and I was very fortunate and thankful to be part of the production.”

Rob and Ciana both recognize the impact of a place like Sk’ai Zeh Yah, as they know what it’s like to need support as a youth, and what it would mean for a child to be welcomed to the centre.

“Both of us were underprivileged in a sense as children, as youth,” says Rob.” Having a place like this where you can feel safe and comfortable around people that are extremely positive and like-minded, they’re here for the people, the public, the children, anybody that really needs a hand. They’ve boosted my confidence, and I guarantee they’re going to boost the confidence of many other youth.”

Ciana, too, recognizes what a place like Sk’ai Zeh Yah would have done for her as a youth.

“With my youth history, having a place like this when you really, truly feel like you have nobody else in your corner, or nowhere to turn to, and you come into a place like this and they have the resources, and they have those connections and influences that you would not get anywhere else is definitely life changing."

When the Sk'ai Zeh Yah youth centre hosted its virtual grand opening, Rob and Ciana were invited to attend in order to acknowledge their hard work and dedication to the centre. This was also the first reveal of the Rivey Room, which was named after Rob and Ciana. The Sk'ai Zeh Yah staff had a ribbon made for the room for Rob and Ciana to cut, to which they showed great emotion and gratification for the gesture.

The Rivey Room stands as a reminder of what is possible if we uplift our youth, whether that be through employment services, life skills, or just giving them a place to hang out, or a place to eat a hot meal. 

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