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.

Class Action Lawsuit for Indian Residential Schools

Class Action Lawsuit for Indian Residential Schools

Please share this information with family and loved ones.

Three class-action lawsuits related to Indian Residential Schools are currently underway:

  1. The first lawsuit is for 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗿𝗺 during certain years. Please note, the settlement for this case concluded in 2012.
  2. The second lawsuit involves 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. These students faced varying levels of abuse and received payouts exceeding $100,000. The claim period officially ended on July 13, 2022, but was extended until January 13, 2023. Payouts and administrative reviews for this case are still ongoing.
  3. The third lawsuit pertains to 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀, with a deadline for claims set for October 4, 2023. If you or your estate attended the day school listed on the official website, you may be eligible for a payout of $10,000.

For further information or assistance, please refer to the dates posted on the official website or contact 𝗝𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗻 at 403-881-2799.

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
Organizers and local families of loved ones missing and murdered
Raising the MMIWG2S Banner
Raising the MMIWG2S Banner at the Mini Thni Road overpass
Raising the MMIWG2S Banner at the Mini Thni Road overpass
Stoney Health Organizers Amanda Goodstoney and Tara Glass
We stand together.
Families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls and 2S Stand Together
The Sobercrew sings an honour song
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. 

Residential School Children Tribute Ceremony

Tribute for Residential School Survivors

To honour and give respect to Morley Residential School survivors and those recently discovered in unmarked graves across the country.

Ceremony August 30
Pipe ceremony and smudge, starting at 12:30 pm
Welcome and speeches start at 1pm
Morley High School, southside (site of the former residential school)

Image credit: Andy Everson of the K’ómoks First Nation

Sacredness of Wiyabi Enaibi

Sacredness of Wiyabi Enaibi (SOWE) project

Eagle’s Nest Stoney Family Shelter launched the “Sacredhood of Women and the Moon” program in early May 2021. A joint initiative with the Mini Thni Crisis Support team.

Sacredness of Wiyabi Enaibi (SOWE) will offer women and girls on the nation monthly kits to support their moon cycle. Each kit will include a bar of natural soap, reusable and disposable hygiene products, and a rights of passage card written by Krista Hunter and contributing Elders.

The Sacredhood project celebrates the journey into womanhood and invites all Nation members to join.

For any Stoney Nakoda Nation member who would like a moon cycle kit, simply come to the gate at Eagle’s Nest and receive this offering. Each woman or girl will have the opportunity to receive one moon cycle kit per month! This is open to all women and girls on the Stoney Nation!

We are so grateful for the incredible donations we have already received for this project. If you are wanting to give to this project, you can do so by supporting a woman (or, however many women you would like!) by building moon cycle kits and dropping them off at our gate.

Each kit includes: a reusable bag, 15 tampons, 6 pads, 1 reusable pad or panty, and 1 natural bar of soap.

We love supporting Canadian companies. Here are some links to suppliers!

Follow the Eagle’s Nest Stoney Family Shelter on Facebook for details and updates.