June 15, 2022 — Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, Treaty 3 Territory, Ontario — Indigenous Services Canada

Today, the Migisi Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centre (Migisi) is celebrating the grand opening of a newly renovated and expanded treatment facility.

At today’s grand opening, Wauzhushk Onigum Nation Chief Chris Skead, past clients, and guests joined Migisi staff and the Board of Directors for a barbecue luncheon, ribbon-cutting ceremony and drum performance. In May, Migisi held a traditional opening with the Board of Directors and staff to open the building in a good way before accepting its first intake of clients in the new facility, which is nearly double the size of the previous building.

The expansion and renovation of the treatment centre supports culturally safe spaces where community members will get quality care that meets their needs.

Indigenous Services Canada supported the construction of Migisi’s new treatment facility with $3,429,202 in funding, which was provided in fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020-21. A commitment to value and use Indigenous healing practices in the treatment of Indigenous patients, when desired by patients, responds to Call to Action #22 of the Truth and Reconciliation Final Report.

Migisi runs a four-week drug and alcohol treatment program that is based on traditional teachings and prioritizes culturally appropriate care. In addition to psychological support and counselling, practices such as morning smudges, visits with Elders, drum teachings, sharing circles and sweat lodges support clients in recovery. The Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps form the basis of Migisi’s program, enabling individuals receiving treatment at Migisi to connect their journey in recovery to their lived experiences as Indigenous people.

Purpose-built for Migisi, the renovated facility has a number of design features that enable staff to better serve clients. Upgrades like doors requiring key cards for access, a designated area to store client files, and staff-only rooms make it easier to perform administrative work efficiently and provide space where employees can decompress. These changes mean that staff can be more fully present when engaging with clients to provide the best possible care.