Chief Robert Head, Peter Chapman Band, Chief Kirby Constant, James Smith Cree Nation, Councillor Dane Sanderson on behalf of Chief Calvin Sanderson, Chakastayapasin Band of the Cree Nation, Randy Constant, Chairperson of the Nicawicikanisihk Wellness Project Board of Directors, Wellness Project Elder, Marie Sanderson, and Barbara Michel, Wellness Project Chief Executive Officer participated in the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of the Miyo-Pimatisiwin Wellness Centre and expansion and renovation to the Akameyimok Lodge on Jan. 20, 2026. (Submitted photo/JSCN)

By Nigel Maxwell

Nicawicikanisihk Wellness Centre

James Smith Cree Nation looks to build strength and healing with new wellness, treatment centre

Jan 20, 2026 | 4:39 PM

It was a moment that carried deep meaning for James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN).

On Tuesday morning, shovels in the ground marked the official kick-off for the building of a new wellness and treatment centre.

“There was a time when our people did not face the struggles we see today,” said JSCN Chief Kirby Constant. “Addictions, homelessness, family instability, and overcrowding were not part of our way of life. These challenges did not come from who we are as Indigenous people – they came from what Canada did to our people. Forced onto reserves, stripped of strong family systems, disconnected from land, language, and culture, our ancestors’ ways of raising children together and nurturing them as sacred gifts were disrupted.”

For the community, the wellness centre represents more than a building; it represents healing, accountability and hope.

“It’s a commitment to restoring balance, supporting our people, and rebuilding what was taken from us. It will be the first of its kind in our nation, and our hope is that something good will come from the pain our people have carried for far too long.”

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An artist rendering of the Nicawicikanisihk Wellness Centre being built on James Smith Cree Nation, about 70 kilometres northeast of Prince Albert. (JSCN Office of the Chief/Facebook)

The federal government announced $42.5 million in funding for a new wellness centre and wellness programming in November 2022. That was when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the First Nation following a massing stabbing on Sept. 4 that left 11 people dead and 18 others injured in the community, and in the nearby village of Weldon.

“We’re going back to the government to ensure that all this programming is going to be funded for the years to come, not just for the build and for the current programming that’s going on today,” Constant said.

The Nicawicikanisihk Wellness project includes the Akameyimok Lodge Detox Centre which will provide social detox, residential treatment and ongoing outpatient services. and the Miyo-Pimatsiwin Wellness Centre, which will focus on supporting holistic recovery and wellness through land-based, culturally grounded healing programs, Indigenous knowledge and community connection.

“The community was very much involved in deciding on the design of the new centre. A focus will be put on a connection to the outdoors, with earthy tones and natural elements. The facilities will be welcoming for members wanting mental health and addictions services and their families,” said Chief Calvin Sanderson of the Chakastaypasin Band of the Cree Nation.

Constant added, as JSCN heals, those in nearby communities will eventually be able to participate in the programming.

“We are building healing. We are building strength. We are building a future.”

Construction will begin in March and Constant expects the treatment centre will start accepting clients next January. The wellness centre will open in 2028.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com