EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 16,
2024 /CNW/ - The Otipemisiwak Métis Government
of the Métis Nation within Alberta
is partnering with the Government of Alberta to construct the Healing Waters
Recovery Community near Métis Crossing. Recovery communities
provide holistic treatment and recovery programming for those
struggling with substance use.
The Healing Waters Recovery Community will be Métis-led,
providing clients with access to evidence-based care that blends
western and Métis values and practices, free-of-charge. Clients
will have access to a range of culturally appropriate services,
including opioid agonist treatment medications, counselling,
employment support, financial and other supports. They will be
eligible to stay at the recovery community for up to one year.
"Healing Waters will serve as a beacon of hope for Métis
Citizens and Albertans who are recovering from substance use," said
Andrea Sandmaier, President of the
Otipemisiwak Métis Government. "We are proud to be working with the
Government of Alberta to bring
this state-of-the-art facility near Métis Crossing and to provide a
blend of western and traditional healthcare, with a Métis
focus, that will support people's recovery journeys."
"This partnership will provide life-saving addiction treatment
to those in need and rebuild families and communities affected by
this disease," said the Honourable Dan Williams, Alberta's Minister of Mental Health and
Addiction. "Lives are changed by recovery, and our government is
proud to be helping people onto that path. Recovery is
possible."
Healing Waters will be located in Smoky Lake County near Métis
Crossing. The land has deep connection to Métis' history in
Alberta and will provide a strong
cultural foundation for individuals who receive supervised
on-the-land treatment in their journey to recovery. Clients will be
referred from a broad network of addiction services across
Alberta and will have already
successfully completed acute medical detox. Planning for discharge
and return to community begins upon arrival, with post-treatment
support in place to safeguard a successful and sober reintegration
into daily life.
"As a Métis-run recovery community, Healing Waters will provide
recovery-oriented care to individuals grappling with substance
use," said Kaila Mitchell, Secretary
of Mental Health and Addictions. "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."
An investment of up to $35 million
from the Government of Alberta
will support the construction of Healing Waters, which when
operational, will provide 75 beds for holistic and culturally
appropriate addiction treatment, for up to 300 people per year. The
facility was designed by both the Government of Alberta and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government,
reflecting the unique, cultural aesthetic found at buildings within
Métis Crossing.
Healing Waters is expected to begin operations in
2026.
SOURCE Métis Nation of Alberta