Photo: “This initiative allows us to reach people who may not otherwise be able to access services.” / Courtesy of Lac La Ronge Indian Band
By Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
The Woodland Wellness Centre — Sukawithiniwuk Wechihiwewikumik — is set to receive up to $1.48 million in federal funding to expand frontline supports addressing opioid use and mental health challenges across the six communities of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB).
In a community notice posted by the LLRIB, the funding, approved through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) Emergency Treatment Fund, will support the Woodland Wellness Mobile Outreach Initiative, designed to deliver culturally grounded wellness services directly to LLRIB communities.
The project has been approved for up to $1,483,150 for the 2026–27 fiscal year, with activities scheduled to run from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
Through the initiative, mobile outreach teams will travel to communities to provide culturally safe counselling, crisis intervention and suicide prevention services, particularly for individuals who face barriers accessing centralized care.
“Access to treatment can be difficult for many people in the North because of distance and limited services,” said Chief Tammy Cook-Searson. “This initiative helps bring support directly into our communities in ways that respect our culture and strengthen our approach to healing.”
Valerie McLeod, director of Sukawithiniwuk Wechihiwewikumik (Woodland Wellness Centre), said the mobile model is designed to reduce barriers to care by meeting people where they are.
“This initiative allows us to reach people who may not otherwise be able to access services,” McLeod said. “By bringing supports directly into communities, we can provide harm-reduction supplies, connect individuals with treatment and help guide people toward healing in ways that are culturally grounded and community-driven.”
Mobile outreach services are intended to improve access to immediate supports while strengthening community-based approaches to wellness across the LLRIB territory.
Final funding levels will be confirmed once a contribution agreement is finalized between the organization and Health Canada. The program is expected to begin operating in spring 2026, according to the public announcement.
Inside the mobile outreach van.