First Nations community receives funding for Native Horizons Treatment Centre

MISSISSAUGAS OF THE NEW CREDIT FIRST NATION —Five First Nation communities in Ontario will be improving community facilities including improvements and upgrades to the Native Horizons Treatment Centre in the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation in Ontario.

A fire destroyed part of the centre in 2018 and the upgrades will allow clients to once again have access to important treatment and healing programs. Work includes rebuilding portions of the building including the addition of multipurpose and spiritual rooms, and the construction of spaces for trauma-informed programming and cultural and land-based activities, a release indicates. Renovations will also be done to the client lounge, laundry rooms, kitchen and dining areas. 

Four additional community infrastructure projects include upgrades to community beaches in Bearskin Lake First Nation; renovations to the historical library building at Beausoleil First Nation; the creation of a new ice plant and the rehabilitation of a multipurpose room for Kingfisher Lake First Nation; and the construction of a housing facility to support residents though quality social and community services in Pikangikum First Nation.

Through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Plan, the Government of Canada is investing over $7.1 million in the projects; the Government of Ontario is providing over $1.7 million and recipients are contributing over $1.2 million to their respective projects.

“Native Horizons Treatment Centre Board, staff and communities are truly grateful for the approval of this project,” said Wanda Smith, executive director, Native Horizons Treatment Centre, in a statement. “Since the fire, we have received over 3,800 truly heart-breaking calls from our communities seeking support in their recovery and healing journeys. Our new facility will finally be able to provide culturally specific, holistic and trauma conscious programming too individuals, families and communities. As well as relieving some of the back log at other Indigenous treatment centres created by our absence.”