On June 19, members of the Tumbler Ridge District Council were in Pouce Coupe as that community broke ground on a new healing centre.
The centre, first of its kind in Canada, will offer “a holistic, culturally safe approach to addictions treatment and recovery, supporting more people on their healing journey,” according to the province.
“This groundbreaking marks a meaningful step forward in building a more inclusive and culturally safe health-care system,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The North Wind Wellness Centre will provide vital, comprehensive support for people on their healing journey, closer to home and community. It’s a powerful example of how we can work together to build services that are rooted in community and focused on wellness.”
The new North Wind Wellness Centre (NWWC) will have 55 spaces and will integrate First Nations healing practices with clinical care to support people at all stages of recovery. The NWWC will provide five detox beds, 10 addiction treatment beds, 40 self-contained supportive housing units and the Northwest Junction, a recovery-based community centre at the heart of the complex that will serve as a resource hub for those in treatment.
It replaces an older centre, established in 1996, which is located north of Dawson Creek. The new centre will offer stable, safe homes and continued support after treatment, helping people build a foundation for a healthier life. At the same time, cutting-edge care and services will honour and deepen connections to family, First Nations culture and community.
The NWWC will deliver a full continuum of addictions recovery services in one place, combining detox, early recovery housing, treatment and supportive housing through the Addictions Recovery Community Housing (ARCH) model. This model combines Indigenous healing traditions with western medicine practices, including co-ordinated access, live-in treatment supports and post-recovery supports.
“With the generous support of our funders, the NWWC is proud to establish Canada’s first health and wellness centre, pioneering an innovative approach that unites the full continuum of care under one roof with the ARCH model,” said Isaac Hernandez, executive director of the North Wind Wellness Centre. “This integrated model combines withdrawal management, addiction treatment, and assisted recovery housing, providing comprehensive support for individuals on their healing journey. The Northeast Junction, a peer-led central hub, connects all components, fostering a strong sense of community and holistic support.”
The centre has been designed with input from local First Nations and features culturally significant design elements.
“Too many people in rural and Indigenous communities face barriers to accessing appropriate addiction care,” said Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions. “By building a centre that blends traditional Indigenous wellness with clinical supports, we are helping people heal in a place that feels like home, close to culture, community and care.”
For more details on the centre visit northwindwellnesscentre.ca
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
