THE BATTLEFORDS — The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) have selected Poundmaker's Lodge to provide withdrawal management and inpatient addiction treatment spaces in the province's northwest as the result of a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process.
In June 2023, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the SHA, issued an RFP to find an operator for addiction treatment services at the former Drumming Hill Youth Centre facility in North Battleford. Poundmaker's Lodge was chosen following a comprehensive review of submitted proposals.
The new facility will add 14 spaces once operational. Poundmaker's Lodge brings 50 years of experience providing addiction treatment based on the cultural and spiritual beliefs of traditional First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. Poundmaker's Lodge will provide withdrawal management and inpatient addiction treatment for adults.
Poundmaker's Lodge operates an addiction treatment centre just outside of Edmonton. Poundmaker's Lodge is an international leader in the field of addictions counselling and has earned a reputation for helping Indigenous people overcome the effects of addiction and improve their health outcomes, according to SHA. Its programming focusses on Indigenous culture and spirituality; however, its principles are universal. Clients from all cultures, traditions and faiths are welcome.
"It is with honour that Poundmaker's Lodge Treatment Centres will be extending its services to the residents of Saskatchewan," Poundmaker's Lodge Treatment Centres Executive Director Brad Cardinal said.
"This approval is timely and supports our celebrating 50 successful years of treatment and recovery of our people. We are excited to continue to provide traditional, spiritual, and cultural healing alongside western methodologies. Poundmaker's Lodge Treatment Centres looks forward to working closely with Saskatchewan Health Services as a valued partner as they support us in this endeavour."
The Ministry of Health currently funds 553 pre-treatment, withdrawal management, intensive outpatient, inpatient treatment, and post-treatment spaces across the province operated by the SHA and third parties.
The facility is expected to open for addictions treatment in the spring of 2024.
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