A new holistic program offers another option for Aboriginal people struggling with addiction.
White Cedar Health Care Centre opened its door for the first time earlier this month. The centre focuses on helping people with opioid addictions, and also provides help to those dealing with alcohol addiction.
White Cedar’s manager Michele Solomon said their centre operates based on the teachings of the seven grandfathers, which separates it from many of the more traditional centres operating in Thunder Bay.
“We’ve made it as welcoming to First Nation people as we can,” she said. “We have a prominently First Nation staff. Although, the population we’re aiming to serve is First Nation we welcome anyone to come and join our service.”
Solomon said they’ve already started seeing some success in what they’re trying to accomplish. She said that one day a 50-year-old-woman came in and told her that she no longer felt ashamed to seek help for her addictions.
When the woman came to White Cedar she felt welcomed and wanted to get help, she said.
“She knew that this was a good place to be because there were Anishnawbek people here and she liked the environment,” she said.
“That was really validating in terms of what we’re trying to accomplish. People can feel good coming here; they don’t have to feel ashamed to come here.”
In addition to treatment, the centre also provides counseling.
The centre doesn’t have a doctor or nurse practitioner, but Solomon said they hope to fill those positions soon.
