Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Siksika recovery community on June 28, 2024. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

Construction starts on Siksika Recovery Community

Jun 28, 2024 | 10:45 AM

There will soon be another centre in southern Alberta to support people recovering form substance addiction.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday morning at the site southeast of Gleichen.

Minister of Mental Health and Additions Dan Williams says this is part of the province’s efforts to build the Alberta Recovery Model.

“Every person suffering from addiction deserves the opportunity to pursue recovery. This milestone is something to celebrate as lives can be rebuilt and people can be reconnected with their family, community and culture,” says Williams. “Our government is proud to work with Siksika Nation as we move forward with this recovery community.”

The Siksika Recovery Community is a $35 million facility that will add 76 long-term treatment beds, which can support up to 300 people every year.

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The First Nation will own and oversee the operation of the centre, which will be open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients. They can stay at no cost for a maximum of one year and take part in programming that improves health, relationships and skills.

Siksika member Nicole Wolf Leg says recovery is not a straight line, but it has helped to give her a second chance at life that she never imagined possible.

“This facility will provide a safe, culturally supportive environment for individuals to work through their challenges and begin their healing journey. What an honor it is to have leaders who value the importance of this recovery center,” says Wolf Leg.

The government plans to build 11 recovery communities across Alberta. Sites in Lethbridge and Red Deer are already open.

Five facilities are being build in direct partnership with Indigenous communities, including the Blood Tribe, while additional communities in Grande Prairie and Edmonton are in the works.

The centre in Siksika is expected to open in fall 2025.

Albertans struggling with opioid addiction can contact the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) by calling 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no wait list.

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