By Derek Cornet

Regional milestone

‘More than words’: $16 million announced for wellness, healing and recovery centre

Feb 14, 2019 | 2:57 PM

The wide-reaching impact the construction of a wellness, healing and recovery centre in the tri-communities will have in northern Saskatchewan was apparent at a special announcement today.

Surrounded by numerous First Nations chiefs, northern mayors, as well as federal and provincial ministers and other elected officials, Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) Chief Tammy Cook-Searson called the event an important moment for current and future generations of northerners. With $11.6 million committed by the federal government, $2.5 million from the province and another $2 million from LLRIB Health Services, she said the band can build a centre which represents a critical solution to the region’s need for better access to health and addiction services.

“Many of us have faced suicides in our own families or lost loved ones to addictions and mental health,” Cook-Searson said. “We have undergone some difficult and challenging times through history and increasingly over the past few years, and we are very excited this special announcement has finally arrived.”

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The centre will include 10 beds for in-patient care, along with space for counselling, a dining room and kitchen, sweat lodge, sauna, a multi-purpose room and space for out-patient services. Cook-Searson noted programming will also include mini lodges in all six LLRIB communities for after treatment care. The band originally called for $15.45 million from the federal government to also support the construction of a swimming pool, but she added the addition will require more lobbying.

Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O’Regan told the crowd gathered at the Jonas Roberts Memorial Centre it is clear to him there is a state of crisis in First Nations communities. He stated the new centre is a milestone for the LLRIB as it will allow residents to remain in their community while seeking help. O’Regan stated the facility will be safe, culturally meaningful and be operated by the communities it serves.

Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O’Regan announces $11.6 million in federal funding. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“It is often said that the death of even one person to suicide or overdose is one too many,” he said. “That is true, but you need more than words.”

La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich also spoke about how the new facility will be an asset to all residents in the tri-communities. He stated such a large amount of funding is a big deal for a small community and it will help to build capacity in the North.

Numerous chiefs, mayors and other elected representatives were at the event. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

“You have no idea how much we appreciate this,” Woytowich said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno