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By rdnewsNOW Staff

$35M INVESTMENT

Provincial government funds recovery community near Métis Crossing

Aug 18, 2024 | 1:00 PM

As a part of the Alberta Recovery Model, the Government of Alberta has partnered with the Métis Nation within Alberta to build a recovery community, implementing treatment based on its culture and practices.

Born of a $35 million investment, the facility will be known as the Healing Waters Recovery Community and is expected to house 75 long-term treatment beds that can support up to 300 people per year during their path to recovery, officials say.

“This investment shows our government’s commitment to working with Indigenous communities in providing culturally-safe addiction treatment. I am excited for this to move forward and hear about how lives are changed,” says Rick Wilson, minister of Indigenous relations.

The Alberta Recovery Model is a system of care launched by the provincial government in an effort to support those suffering from addiction in their pursuit of recovery. The services made available through this model are providing a continuum of care including prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.

In total, the provincial government is planning to build 11 recovery communities, five of which are in partnership with Indigenous communities. Representatives say the total investment into Indigenous recovery communities is about $180 million.

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The Healing Waters Recovery Community will be constructed about 100 km northwest of Edmonton, near Métis Crossing. Clients will be able to access its services at no cost and have the opportunity to stay at the facility for up to one year.

Clients are expected to participate in a program that includes individual and group therapy, skills development and relationship building. This is in an effort to ensure those leaving treatment can succeed in recovery with employment, housing and reconnection with family and friends.

“As a Métis-run recovery community, Healing Waters will provide recovery-oriented care to individuals grappling with substance use,” says Kaila Mitchell, secretary of mental health and addictions for the Métis Nation within Alberta. “The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to play a role in helping reduce barriers and provide culturally appropriate treatment options for our Citizens and all Albertans who are pursing recovery.”

Officials say the Métis Nation within Alberta has worked with Alberta’s government to select a site and design a building that reflects and honours Métis culture. Construction is planned to be completed in 2026.

Other Indigenous recovery communities are expected to be built in partnership with Siksika Nation, Blood Tribe, Enoch Cree Nation and Tsuut’ina Nation.

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