MISKASOWIN HEALING LODGE

“Finding oneself, belonging, journey to the centre of yourself”, Jeremy Neeposh

Our Intention and Approach to the Programs and Services

VISION STATEMENT

Individuals and families reclaiming Iyiyiu/Iinuu identity by re-awakening and nurturing the spirit within.

The Miskasowin Healing Lodge team guides individuals, families and communities to attain Iyiyiu/Iinuu miyupimaatisiiuun.

Our principles: 

1. Cultural Safety
2. Two-eyed seeing
3. Harm Reduction
4. Holistic Wellness
5. Person and family centered care
6. Strengths based
7. Healing and Trauma informed care 

The Miskasowin Healing Lodge aims to provide a land-based wellness and recovery center that integrates both Iyiyiu/Iinuu and Western clinical approaches. The center will have 20 beds, including four beds designated for inpatient detoxification services, two family units, and 14 beds for individuals. It will employ a holistic, person- and family-centered approach, offering culturally safe and trauma-informed care. The program will run six seasonal sessions annually, with each program lasting 42 days and the detox program lasting 7 to 10 days. The center will also offer specialized services designed to reduce, treat, and address challenges related to substance use and addiction, including alcohol, legal and illegal drugs, and gambling, through harm reduction and prevention strategies.

The Miskasowin Healing Lodge site has been secured outside Chisasibi. However, due to changes within CBHSSJB, including the expiration of agreements with MHSS and a shift in leadership, new funding negotiations for funding are underway. As a result, the timeline for the facility’s completion and the launch of services remains uncertain.

In the meantime, the Miskasowin team has been, and will continue to, deliver land-based gatherings and workshops (both independently and in collaboration with the Nishiiyuu Department and others) focusing on healing, relationships with the land and culture, as well as topics related to substance use and harm reduction.

Land Based Wellness Recovery 7 Day Program

The Land-Based Wellness Recovery Program is rooted in Eeyou relationships with the land, culture, and identity. Through these connections, participants will gain an understanding of how their culture and identity serve as strengths that can positively support their healing. The program also emphasizes holistic well-being and addresses the root causes of addiction, while offering participants the opportunity to engage in either cultural, Western, or a combination of both healing practices. 

•2 sessions/year - 1 Coastal; 1 Inland

•Target Groups: 18+

•Participants seeking recovery

Land Based Continuous Resurgence of Wellness 4-day (Aftercare) program:

•This is not a treatment or 'detox' program

•Objective is to increase knowledge of the root causes of addiction and help prevent relapse addictions

•2 sessions/year - 1 Coastal; 1 Inland

•Target Groups :18+

•Participants in Recovery – have completed a treatment program either on- or off-territory

Upcoming Land Based Projects 2025-2026

• Land Based Wellness Recovery, September 14-20, 2025, Fort-George
• Land Based Wellness Recovery (TBD), Waconichi
• Land Based Worker Wellness, (TBD) Waconichi

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS TO ENCOURAGE COLLECTIVE, COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS AND FOSTER SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

The Miskasowin Healing Lodge will rely on strong partnerships to create sustainable and collective support systems for individuals and families on their wellness and recovery journeys. As we continue to develop the programs and services, we will maintain a process that emphasizes inclusivity, collaboration, transparency, mutual respect, and empowerment through community engagement. Our intent is to secure validation, acceptance, and consensus from all stakeholders in Eeyou Istchee.

Our Collaborators:

Internal at CBHSSJB

• Nishiiyuu Miyupiimaatisiuun
• Human Resources
• Project Management
• Maanuuhiikuu
• NNADAP and CMCs 

External

• Cree Nation of Chisasibi
• John E Sam & Family

Our Partners:

• Addictions Working Group, CBHSSJB
• Indigenous Knowledge Keepers Advisory Working Group
• Thunderbird Foundation

Our Highlights

Our highlights include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the proposed Healing Lodge site with John E. Sam & Family.

A total of 30 participants completed our Land-Based Detox programs, with 7 participants returning to continue their healing journeys.

Here are a few words from participants about the Land-Based Projects:

“Being on the land helped me concentrate on myself”

“I was very happy we were able to connect with each other and in our own language”

Updates and announcements will be shared as soon as they become available.