‘We need this’: Sask. First Nation to build addictions recovery centre as community’s mental health crisis continues

The Mosaic Company announced a $500,000 commitment for a new addictions recovery centre in Saskatchewan. DonovanMaess/CTVNews.

Ochapowace Nation is getting a boost in their fight against an ongoing mental health and addictions crisis.

“We need this treatment centre,” said Chief Shelley Bear at a media event Tuesday. “We need to get our people into those centres right away.”

The First Nation first declared a state of emergency regarding the community’s mental health issues in 2019 after four members died by suicide in a three-month span.

But since the pandemic, Chief Bear says Ochapowace’s challenge has become increasing fentanyl overdoses.

“For many years, our people have been attending funerals of young ones in our community,” she said. “Young people are losing their parents. Grandparents are losing their children and grandchildren.”

“[Residents] don’t want to see anymore of our people being brought home in caskets from the addictions we’re facing,” Bear added.

• ‘Recovery-based’ care plan falling flat with addiction advocates in Sask.
• Province announces 36 new virtual treatment spaces for those needing addictions supports
• Drug toxicity deaths in Sask. seemingly on course to match record set in 2023

But now hope may be on the horizon.

A new recovery and wellness centre in Saskatchewan by the Ochapowace Nation is closer to becoming a reality.

The project will eventually be built south of Broadview, Sask. and add 20 more treatment beds for the province. The centre is expected to cost around $6 million.

Ochapowace Nation is in charge of raising capital funds for construction.

On Tuesday, The Mosaic Company announced a $500,000 commitment over two years to the build.

‘We were happy to participate in something so important with [Ochapowace] and the crisis of opioids, and the passion {Bear] has in fighting it,” said Mosaic President and CEO Bruce Bodine.

Bodine adds the company has a 20-year commitment to the province by making generational investments in potash production while contributing to the vitality of people, economy and environment.

A goal has been set to have construction underway in spring 2025.