Tobacco Healing Centre Features Native Perspective

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.