Tobacco Healing Centre Features Native Perspective
Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 14:04
The director of the country’s first-ever Tobacco Healing Centre says he hopes the facility acts as a beacon of hope for smokers everywhere.
Murray Kelly says the centre, which opened in Ottawa yesterday, has a different mindset than most addictions facilities.
Kelly notes it recognizes tobacco’s place in First Nations culture and its significance in spiritual practices.
As a result, he says staff are able to deal with First Nations clients in a different and more effective manner than most addictions facilities.
Kelly says he knows tobacco will always have a place in the First Nations community, but he says that doesn’t mean it has to be in the form of a cigarette.
He insists the centre doesn’t give addicts a quick medical fix and a bill.
Rather, he says patients are given an overview of their relationship with tobacco and how to leave cigarettes behind.
Kelly adds treatment involves a five-day intensive session on-site, followed by several telephone calls.