Poundmaker’s Lodge will be able to provide withdrawal management and impatient addiction treatment spaces. Poundmaker’s Lodge was selected by the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to operate addiction treatment services at the former Drumming Hill Youth Centre in North Battleford.

Once operational, the new facility will add 14 spaces.

“It is with honor that Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres will be extending its services to the residents of Saskatchewan,” Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres Executive Director Brad Cardinal said. “We are excited to continue to provide traditional, spiritual, and cultural healing alongside western methodologies. Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centres looks forward to working closely with Saskatchewan Health Services as a valued partner as they support us in this endeavor.”

Poundmaker’s Lodge has 50 years of experience in providing addictions treatment based in cultural and spiritual beliefs of traditional First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. Poundmaker’s Lodge operates an addiction treatment centre just outside of Edmonton and Its programming focusses on Indigenous culture and spirituality; however, its principles are universal. Clients from all cultures, traditions and faiths are welcome.

“We are committed to adding 500 addictions treatment spaces across the province as part of our Action Plan for Mental Health & Addictions,” The Battlefords MLA and Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said on behalf of Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod. “The new spaces operated by Poundmaker will provide greater access to treatment for residents in the area and help their recovery journey.”

The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement will continue to work with Poundmaker’s Lodge, the Ministry of Health, and the SHA on the repurposing of the former Drumming Hill facility.

The facility is expected to open for addictions treatment in the spring of 2024.