EAGLE LAKE – A First Nation near Dryden has embarked on a journey to fulfill a “vision of building a healing lodge that is based on culture and family.” Eagle Lake First Nation, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) and the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) signed a memorandum of understanding last week to eventually build a regional healing lodge on Eagle Lake land. Once completed, the healing lodge will provide mental health support services with a specific focus on drug and alcohol treatment for people from the 33 First Nation communities served by SLFNHA.
A news release from SLFNHA said the facilities “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 Chief Bernadette Wabange said a lakeside site has been selected and the design process is underway, but it will be a few years before the lodge is up and running. The project will fulfill “a longtime vision of building a healing lodge that is based on culture and family to support healing and wellness,” she said. “We have been wanting to do this for our community but also to share and support other communities in the region,” she said.
“This partnership will allow us to realize this vision.” For the KDSB, “it’s a real opportunity to support a.