Stoney Nakoda Treatment Centre to offer support, treatment for those battling addiction

The Stoney Nakoda Treatment Centre officially opened its doors on Thursday in Mini Thnî (Morley, Eden Valley, and Big Horn reserves), hoping to offer tailored programs and support to the people of Stoney Nakoda First Nations.

"The 18-bed facility will serve as a place of hope, offering vital resources and support for every person seeking recovery from addiction and related challenges," said a release from Stoney Health Services (SHS). 

Aaron Khan, CEO of SHS, explained to CBC News why the launch is a significant milestone for the community.

"This facility will play a pivotal role in addressing the substance abuse issues that have affected this community for far too long," said Khan.

"We are committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery, fostering healing, and building a healthier future for our Nation."

Skilee Dixon,  who is the manager of the Stoney Nakoda Treatment Centre and runs a day program for those fighting addiction, said that the event was "emotional" for her because it wasn't easy to bring the team's vision to life — they struggled with finding the right staff, working on the treatment programs from scratch, and making sure that they were adhering to policy procedures and protocols.

"I just can't believe we're here now because there's been so much work that has led up to this day," Dixon said.

"I think now it's something to be very proud of and to point out … [That] we never gave up. We know that this was here for a reason. We're here to help and heal."

She added that it was important to recruit staff members from the community for a specific reason.

"It was very important to find the right people to be able to run the facility that are Indigenous to understand the importance of our way of life," she said.

"As Indigenous people, we heal very differently … As we focus a lot of on our ceremonial teachings in our language and our customs."

90-day programs, three stages of treatment

The treatment centre currently has three accessible rooms and offers 90-day programs that are divided into three stages — the first stage focuses on self-love and compassion, giving participants a chance to reflect and forgive themselves.

In the next stage, participants get access to "trauma-informed care," according to Dixon.

"Our second phase is focusing on what has happened to you instead of what is wrong with you. So really changing that wording on there to help our people heal."

The last stage centres on re-integration and offering support to help participants get back on their feet.

"The biggest battle is they're coming home in the same environment, same place, same family, same home, overcrowded homes, same lifestyle. That is the biggest and most challenging thing for a recovering addict," Dixon said.

"That third and final stage is really trying to help that client reintegrate back into [the] community, finding them employment, helping them get back into education … Helping them find low-income housing."

Dixon, who grew up in a home plagued by addiction, knows how arduous the entire process can be.

"If it weren't for my mom, I probably wouldn't be where I am today," she said.

"And my dad, you know the struggles that we went through, there was always love and kindness in the home, no matter what. But to be able to be here today, to actually be from the community, starting a program that's right from the roots, I feel honored."

Duane Wesley, who is a peer support worker at the treatment centre and has helped manage the day program, thinks that offering support is crucial because many participants have "nowhere to go" and need all the help they can get.

"A lot of them come in starving, starving for affection, trust, and to be heard … A lot of them have never ever told their story or anything like that or [expressed] what they're going through," Wesley said.

"What we do at the day treatment program is just a stepping stone of what they receive in the treatment. And it's all based in healing in our own way on our own land, and especially utilizing the elders of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation and the teachings the elders can give."

The team works especially hard to ensure that seeking help isn't difficult or filled with complexities, such as excessive paperwork, according to Wesley.

"[We use a] delicate approach. It's with passion, with care. Knowing that to come into the facility ... It won't be intimidating."