A partnership with Onion Lake Cree Nation and the Saskatchewan Health Authority will see 15 detox beds operating at the Ekweskeet Healing Lodge.
The collaboration between the First Nation and the government will have an operational budget of $1.96 million per year and the first clients will be coming to the healing facility in the next few days.
Welcoming the rainy weather as a cleansing and a time of rebirth, band councillor Bernadine Harper says they are walking into a new venture of healing, even as she spoke of the policies of the past like the two residential schools of St. Anthony and St. Barnabas and the impact it had on their people.
“Our people are suffering from addictions, mental health and so many social issues that we see every day. And it’s so sad. It stems from all the policies that have been set up for our people.”
Northern residents will benefit, and services will be accessible to all people in Saskatchewan says MLA for Prince Albert Northcote, Alana Ross who brought greetings on behalf of the government.
“It is also meaningful to see how this centre will incorporate traditional healing and cultural wellness in its model of care. This informed approach will provide vital supports to patients in their health journey.”
The Ekweskeet Healing Lodge was first opened in 1987. The new upgrade will see it operate seven beds in the regular treatment programs along with the new 15 detox spaces. The lodge overlooks a lake and boasts stunning sunsets in the evenings. The healing space has numerous open areas in a calm quiet setting, and will soon see a sweat lodge set up on the grounds.
Vice President Andrew McLetchie with the SHA’s Integrated Northern Health celebrates the efforts of the Onion Lake staff and community including the vision of health director Albert Jimmy. He notes the SHA’s commitment to strengthening mental health and addictions services to ensure timely access as close to home as possible.
“We welcome the opportunity to enter this partnership with the ministry of health and the Onion Lake Cree Nation and to continue building addictions treatment capacity and access through the addition of new addictions treatment spaces across the province,” says McLetchie.
MLA for Lloydminster Colleen Young notes that the healing journey from addictions is not easy as it occurs when the client is ready.
“It isn’t a quick and easy fix. It takes time. But I know that with the support of the community and leadership that is here – and that has worked so hard to get to this point, that you will provide that leadership for your people.”
Greetings came in from several surrounding communities along with representation from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations.