The Manitoba government is providing more than $4 million in Indigenous-led addictions programming that will create more than 1,200 new treatment spaces across the province.
According to a media release Monday, over $2.4 million has already been invested in 800 day and evening treatment spaces, which are now open, at the following Indigenous-led organizations:
- Life’s Journey (Winnipeg) for a drop-in resource centre offering wraparound support for neurodiverse individuals, $657,000;
- Misipawistik Cree Nation Health Authority for a seven-week outpatient program combining traditional medicine, life skills training and addiction education, $450,000;
- Mikaaming Mino Pimatiziwin Healing Lodge for day programming in Sagkeeng First Nation and surrounding areas, $365,399;
- Oshki-Giizhig Inc. (Winnipeg) for expansion of the Beaver Lodge Day Services Program for individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and other cognitive impairments, $291,000; and
- Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. (Winnipeg) for daily support meetings for Indigenous youth rooted in cultural values, based on the WellBriety Movement model, $718,000.
“Endazhi Mino Bimaadizing (Where One has a Good Life) provides culturally grounded, holistic care for our young relatives experiencing challenges with substance use,” said Shanlee Scott, executive director, Ndinawe. “We recognize the importance of meeting our relatives where they are and focusing on well-being in alignment with traditional ways of knowing and being. Our young relatives are not disposable, and it is incumbent upon us to honour our kinship laws and provide culture-specific healing.”
A further $1.9 million has been allocated to open programs later this year, which will create an additional 400 treatment spaces:
- Interlake Reserves Tribal Council for withdrawal management services across five First Nations communities in the Interlake, including traditional Indigenous programming, $1.5 million; and
- Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre for expansion of virtual services through its Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine Clinic, $428,164.
The minister noted this announcement builds on previous investments of $1.34 million for the Minoayawin Mobile Outreach Program, which is now offering health-care and harm-reduction services in Thompson and neighbouring First Nations, and $450,000 to implement the Digital Front Door platform, which enables virtual drop-in clinics led by nurses via smartphone, tablet or computer.
This spring, the Manitoba government also provided $1.5 million in funding for program tools, materials and resources required for the development of the Anne Oake Recovery Centre, a bed-based addictions treatment facility specifically designed for women and their children.
