Ahtahkakoop celebrates grand opening of treatment and detox centre

While the treatment centre has been open since September, the detox side will open next month. Ahenakew said they are still recruiting nurse practitioners. He also explained the need was recognized for a new detox unit but Indigenous Services Canada would not fund it.

“So our leadership, chief and counsel, used our own source revenue of $1.8 million to build our detox centre,” he said.

Witchekan Lake Chief Ramone Harris was awestruck by the large building.

“It’s a proud moment for all of us because you know we’re all struggling, not just our First Nations people, but everybody,” he said.

The facility features over 40 beds including 10 on the detox side. Director Freda Ahenakew has been lobbying the government for 15 years…. https://t.co/xtyutlyFNa

— Nigel Maxwell (@NigelMaxwell) October 22, 2026

FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron was among the special dignitaries and while applauding the efforts of the chiefs and councils, described alcohol and drugs as demons that plague reserve communities.

“Every day it is a challenge. We’re that close every single day to a tragedy, a mass tragedy,” he said.

Cameron noted a tragic story that occurred just days prior where a 16-year-old girl from Sweetgrass First Nation, started drinking alcohol and, while walking down the road, was hit by a vehicle.

“Just one example of so many out there,” he said.

Thursday’s grand opening ceremony included a dance performance. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Karen Greyeyes is a board member but also the health director at Ahtahkakoop. She said they identified a gap.

“One of the gaps is not having a detox center in our community. And I just want to say kudos to our chief for having the vision to see that we needed to have that step that’s right before treatment.  Because where do people go when they’re detoxing? They have to go to the cities but now we have the opportunity to here provide detox services.”

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

by Nigel Maxwell

Ahtahkakoop celebrates grand opening of treatment and detox centre

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