Construction of the $16.1-million facility came from the federal and provincial governments, as well as the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

mental health

‘A place for healing’: Woodland Wellness Centre opens near La Ronge

Jun 21, 2022 | 2:00 PM

A long-time dream of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) became a reality Tuesday as a large crowd and long list of dignitaries attended the grand opening of the Woodland Wellness Centre.

“I just wanted to take the time to acknowledge that there is so much work to be done and this is part of the capacity building for northern Saskatchewan,” LLRIB chief Tammy Cook-Searson said. “I know many community members, even the leadership that is here and all of you that are here, this wouldn’t have happened without you.”

Construction on the $16.1-million, 20,000 square-foot facility located along Highway 2, began in May 2020 and includes 24 beds for clients, offices for prevention and recovery employees, along with traditional and multi-purpose rooms. The back of the building features a pond with walkways, as well as a structure that can be used year-round for sweats.

The centre was made possible through an $11.6-million commitment from the federal government, $2.5 million from the province and $2 million from the band itself. Cook-Searson explained the feds have committed to funding the centre for the first year of maintenance and operations at $2.8 million, and she noted the band will be lobbying the provincial government for annual funding after that.

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The first announcement that the band would open the facility was in February 2019, which was followed by a series of meetings before a ground-breaking ceremony took place in June 2020. Cook-Searson initially expected the building to be ready by the end of 2021, but construction continued until this month.

“We formed strong partnerships to be able to be here today,” she said. “We personally delivered the proposal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.”

A large room featuring several work stations. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

There are 24 beds throughout the facility for in-patient care. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

This room was used for a pipe ceremony this morning. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

A common area featuring seating and a fireplace. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

This spacious multi-purpose room includes a natural theme. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

The main foyer at the entrance of the centre. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Cook-Searson also shared with attendees that her older sister committed suicide in 2003 and that’s what inspired herself to open the wellness centre. She mentioned her sister’s death was devastating and that suicide continues be an issue in northern Saskatchewan.

“I knew she wanted to make a difference in her life. She was looking for something,” Cook-Searson said. “She had quit drinking, quit drugs, and was just trying to make something different, but it was too much for her and she ended up taking her life and left her four kids.”

Cook-Searson added she remembers going to the hospital after her sister died.

“Her kids were there and they said, ‘who’s going to look after us, auntie?’ It’s the reality we face still today, so this is a place for healing and we want everyone to feel welcome here.”

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations chief, Bobby Cameron, was among those in attendance. He congratulated the LLRIB on the opening of the Woodland Wellness Centre and stated every First Nation needs such a facility to counter the harmful and violent effects of alcohol and drugs.

“When the chiefs signed Treaty, this is what they envisioned,” Cameron said. “That we would open these kind of facilities, implementing that medicine chest clause, that Treaty right to health. This is what they wanted to see. Chief Tammy Cook-Searson and your council and your community members, this is going to be standing long, long after many of us are gone. This is a positive thing, a historic day.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno