Stoney Nakoda Treatment Center Opens its Doors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 5, 2023

Stoney Nakoda Treatment Center Opens Its Doors October 5, 2023

Recovery on our land, in our ways for a new start.

Mînî Thnî, Alberta, October 5, 2023] – Stoney Health Services is pleased to announce the official opening of the Stoney Nakoda Treatment Center, a critical milestone in our commitment to addressing addiction and promoting wellness for the people of the Stoney Nakoda First Nations living in Mini Thnî (Morley, Eden Valley and Big Horn reserves.

The Treatment Center represents a significant step towards enhancing the health and well-being of the Iethkabi. The 18-bed facility will serve as a place of hope, offering vital resources and support for every person seeking recovery from addiction and related challenges.

Aaron Khan, CEO of Stoney Health Services, expressed his excitement and pride about the opening, stating, “The Stoney Nakoda Treatment Center reflects our dedicated efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions to the Stoney People. This facility will play a pivotal role in addressing the substance abuse issues that have affected this community for far too long. We are committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery, fostering healing, and building a healthier future for our Nation.”

Skilee Dixon, Manager of the Stoney Nakoda Treatment Center, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “We have designed this center to be a place of safety, healing, and empowerment. Our team is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, evidence-based treatment and support services that meet the unique needs of our community members. We look forward to helping individuals regain control of their lives and reconnect with their cultural heritage.”

The grand opening ceremony featured traditional ceremonies, speeches, and tours of the newly opened and welcoming facility in Mini Thnî. Community members, leaders, Elders and supporters joined us in celebrating this significant achievement for the Stoney Nakoda Nation.

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For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Wendy Thatcher, Communications Manager, 403-888-0970 or wthatcher@stoneyhealth.com.

About Stoney Nakoda Nation: The Stoney Nakoda Nation, comprising three distinct First Nations – Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney – is dedicated to the well-being, empowerment, and prosperity of its members. The Nation is committed to preserving its cultural heritage while actively addressing contemporary challenges, such as addiction and mental health.

About the Stoney Nakoda Adult Treatment Center

The Stoney Nakoda Adult Treatment Center offers a 90-day holistic treatment program for up to 18 people who are on their recovery for substance use and other addictions. It is open for First Nation members (Bearspaw, Chiniki, Goodstoney) only and emphasizes,” Recovery on our own land, in our own way… for a new start.“

The Treatment Centre provides a structured program of holistic, safe, intensive, client-centered, voluntary, and culturally based live-in treatment services.

Stoney Health Fair 2022

Stoney Health Service’s Health Fair | Mark your Calendars!

Stoney Health Services is excited to bring back our community health fair Wednesday, September 14
10 am – 4 pm
Bearspaw Youth Centre.

After the pandemic, it’s time to remind the community of all existing health and wellness programs, with an emphasis on mental health and addictions education, resources and support. This year’s theme is resiliency.

List of Exhibitors

Stoney Health Fair Program, subject to change

8 am: Venue Open for Exhibit Set-up
9 am: Pipe Ceremony
10 am: Grand Entrance
10:30 am: Opening Ceremony
10 am: Exhibit Hall Open
10 am – 2 pm: Button Making with Marigold Library (child and youth activity)
11 am: Keynote address, Dr. Terry Poucette
12: 10 pm: Wellness Workshops (sign-up onsite)
1:00 pm: Opioid Antagonist Therapy (OAT) and Family Support
1:20 pm: Mental Wellness and Grounding
1:40 pm: Entertainment
2:00 pm: Wellness Workshops (sign-up onsite)
2:30 pm: Mindfulness/Coping with Anxiety (presenter: Trish Tutton)
3:30 pm: Closing Ceremonies
4:00 pm: Exhibit Hall Closes

Stoney Health Services will close all locations and there will be no appointments available on September 14.

MMIWG2S March 2022 | Standing Together to End Violence against Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-spirit People

May 11 | The Mini Thni community stood together to end violence

The organizing team handing out 500 coveted t-shirts to the community.

Organizers and local families of loved ones missing and murdered

Raising the MMIWG2S Banner at the Mini Thni Road overpass

Stoney Health Organizers Amanda Goodstoney and Tara Glass

Families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls and 2S Stand Together

Standing in the glow of meaningful event – The Mini Thni Crisis Support Team

Spooky fun inspires Halloween movie night

Ghoulish fun for the whole family

Party goers were welcome – if they dared – to enter the Chiniki Rodeo Ground’s gates for a night of ghoulish fun on October 22.

Hot beverages were offered to stave off the cool night air while people watched the double feature – Halloween Town for all ages and Nightmare on Elm Street for those looking to get the full-screen scare.

Lots of other Halloween-inspired activities entertained the community including a costume contest and a pumpkin lantern festival. Approximately 50 people got in the spirit and entered the costume contest, offering prizes in several categories for adults and children.

A path wound through part of the rodeo grounds featuring crafty and creative carvings submitted by several community organizations including local schools and the Nakoda Head Start program. The pumpkins were handed out to the community at the end of the night.

A few community vendors also set up booths including a costume pop-up shop for people to browse and select their costume for the year.

If you dare, check out some of the spooky, fun-filled memories captured in the photo gallery below.