Future Developments
the Blood Tribe Recovery Community
Reconnection to self, spirit and community is at the heart of Blood Tribe Department of Health’s (BTDH) vision to improve the health of Kainai.
After careful planning and coordination, the Blood Tribe Department of Health and its partners have started construction on a 75-bed recovery community for Blood Tribe members.
Situated west of Moses Lake along Alberta Highway 5, this facility is a crucial component of the Alberta Recovery Model and will provide holistic and long-term treatment for Blood Tribe members and Albertans.
We’re Hiring
If you’re interested in being part of this important project and have the skills we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you!
Email resume to jimplume@gmail.com.
Renderings of the Blood Tribe Recovery Community
The Blood Tribe has enacted several State of Local Emergencies since 2014 due to the opioid crisis, which has caused widespread grief and suffering. The surge in opioid-related overdoses and deaths, fueled by substances like fentanyl and carfentanil, led the Tribe to respond in innovative prevention and harm reduction treatments.
The Recovery Community programming focuses on holistic addiction recovery, addressing overall lifestyle changes necessary for regaining physical and mental health. This effort is supported by partnerships and funding from the Government of Alberta.
“The treatment facility will offer hope, founded on the BTDH vision to improve health and reduce health inequities among our most disadvantaged and vulnerable members,” said BTDH board co-chair Charles Weaselhead. “Our program emphasizes reconnecting to self, spirit, family, and community. It aims to heal the body through detox and comprehensive healthcare services, enrich the mind with counseling and compassionate care, and facilitate community reintegration.”
A total of 11 recovery communities are being established in Alberta including four in partnership with First Nations: Enoch Cree Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, Siksika Nation, and the Blood Tribe. This initative aims to remove barriers to culturally safe, land-based, services for Indigenous people.
The Blood Tribe Department of Health has received a Capital Grant from the Province of Alberta to construct the Blood Tribe Recovery Community. This agreement includes provisions for employing members during the construction process. Clients will have access to family, friends, and culturally appropriate treatments based on their individual needs and length of stay.
“We have been at the forefront of the opioid battle since this crisis erupted and many of our relatives across Canada look to us for guidance and support in this ongoing fight,” says Weaselhead. “We were the first to implement harm reduction strategies such as training our doctors and nurses to administer Suboxone treatments and Naloxone.”
Derrick Fox, chief executive office for BTDH emphasized the importance of providing addiction treatment at home and integrated into the community. “Our vision is to support those willing to try and to make their world a better place for themselves, their children, families and communities and without judgement and through the lens of Kainayssini, our Blackfoot Values.”
Fox added, “Addictions and the Opioid Crisis are deeply affecting the Blood Tribe and other Indigenous communities. Every member has felt the pain of losing a friend or family member. Our approach will nurture the spirit with our elders, teachers and staff helping clients find and bring their spirit home.”
“We look forward to celebrating the opening of this great facility to bring our people home. It is with great hope that all who enter recovery and reconnection here, will find their spirits and their path to recovery in a good way.”
The Blood Tribe Department of Health expresses gratitude for the support and commitment to making this recovery community a reality, marking the beginning of a hopeful journey for many.
Photos from Ground Breaking Ceremony
