Media Release: Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority and Partners Begin Planning for Regional Healing Lodge

Eagle Lake First Nation: Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA), Eagle Lake First Nation, and the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) marked the beginning of a partnership to build a Healing Lodge in Eagle Lake First Nation. The three organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Eagle Lake First Nation on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

“SLFNHA is excited to embark upon this journey with Eagle Lake First Nation and KDSB to work towards this community-driven solution to support healing and wellness for community members. We are committed to bringing services closer to home and developing approaches to healing that are grounded in the culture, tradition, and values of the communities.” – Sonia Isaac-Mann, CEO and President, SLFNHA

The Healing Lodge will provide mental health support services with a specific focus on drug and alcohol treatment to the 33 First Nation communities served by SLFNHA. The partners have a shared vision for a Healing Lodge for First Nations that will provide space for healing from intergenerational trauma and its deep-rooted effects. The goals are to see healing through the treatment of addictions, mental health challenges, and restoring families. This will be achieved through a culture-based family approach to healing.

“Eagle Lake has had a long-time vision of building a healing lodge that is based on culture and family to support healing and wellness. We have been wanting to do this for our community but also to share and support other communities in the region. This partnership will allow us to realize this vision.” – Chief Bernadette Wabange, Eagle Lake First Nation

“The support and healing our communities need will require communities and organizations working together to create a continuum of care. A continuum that provides wrap around supports, has post treatment programs and is community and culturally driven. The KDSB is excited to announce our partnership with Eagle Lake First Nation and Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority. Through this work and partnership, we will have a partnership that other communities can model after.” – Henry Wall, Chief Administrative Officer, Kenora District Services Board.

This MOU establishes an agreement between Eagle Lake First Nation, SLFNHA and KDSB to work together in collaboration to plan and develop a Family Residential Healing Lodge located in Eagle Lake First Nation. This is agreement is a framework for partnership to work together towards the shared vision of establishing a Healing Lodge that is culturally-based with a family approach to healing and wellness.

This relationship emphasizes one of the many recommendations and findings outlined in the newly released Anishininiiwug Ajimoowin Animisewiinan: Health Status Report, which highlights the ongoing mental health challenges and substance use issues.