Siksika Nation celebrates new era of healing and recovery

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Siksika Nation celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 25 as they prepare to open the doors on a new 76-bed recovery community aimed at bringing culturally-grounded addiction treatment closer to home for people in southern Alberta.

The Siksika Iitaisokinaapyoyis Healing Lodge Recovery Community is the second of five Indigenous-led recovery communities planned for Alberta. The remaining three are expected to finish construction by the end of 2026.

The newly-built facility is owned and managed by Siksika Nation. A Nation-owned not-for-profit corporation, Siksika Iitaisokinaapyoyis Healing Lodge, was selected to operate the recovery community.

“The opening of the Siksika Iitaisokinaapyoyis Healing Lodge Recovery Community is about bringing healing home,” said Siksika Nation Chief Samuel Crowfoot. “Our relatives can now come home to Siksika to get well, surrounded by family, community and culture, while reconnecting with our traditional Blackfoot ways of healing.”

The first clients are expected to begin treatment this fall with the doors set to open Oct. 1. People will be able to remain in treatment for up to one year at no cost to themselves or their families.

Services at the lodge will incorporate Siksika Nation’s culture, ceremony, identity, family and community, while providing addiction treatment and other supports.

“This Healing Lodge represents hope for our relatives and strength for our Nation,” Crowfoot said. “When our relatives heal, our families heal. Our community grows stronger and we create a healthier future for generations to come.”

The province provided capital funding for construction and has committed to long-term operational funding.

Mental Health and Addiction Minister Rick Wilson was in attendance and he said removing barriers to recovery-oriented care remains a priority for the province.

“This 76-bed recovery community is a place (that gives) those struggling with addiction an opportunity to access evidence-based and culturally-grounded treatment during their pursuit of recovery,” Wilson said.

Budget 2026 includes nearly $30 million to open and operate Indigenous-led recovery communities in Alberta. Once all five are complete, they are expected to add more than 375 beds to the province’s addiction treatment system with capacity to help up to 1,500 people pursue recovery each year.

The Alberta government has invested approximately $180 million in capital funding to build the five Indigenous-led recovery communities.

Recovery communities provide live-in addiction treatment along with supports intended to help clients build healthy habits and social skills.  Programs can also include employment training and other services aimed at supporting long-term recovery.

People seeking mental health or addiction supports can contact 211 Alberta 24 hours a day.