KAMSACK — Without facilities like the Saulteaux Healing and Wellness Centre, there is little hope in dealing with alcohol and drug issues, said Chief George Cote of Cote First Nation.
Cote was addressing district residents on April 30 during an all-day session held in the OCC Hall in Kamsack under the banner: “Together We Will Thrive.”
“I am really glad to have this facility, which helps three First Nation communities plus others,” Cote said, reminding the audience of how the communities of Cote, Keeseekoose and The Key First Nations are losing their youths to drug and alcohol use.
“You can see all the funerals; there’s so much grief and trauma,” he said, urging residents to recognize the benefits of prayers that “soothe the soul.”
He said the communities are blessed to have so many people keeping spirituality alive and expressed his thanks to the staff and board of the accredited Saulteaux Healing and Wellness Centre on Cote First Nation for the work they do, bringing to light the abuse of drugs and alcohol.
The chief said he was proud of the youths who have been taking treatment, which gives them a chance to hope and urged people to help one another. He acknowledged the Yorkton Tribal Council's involvement and credited Kamsack Mayor Beth Dix for her interest in helping communities trust one another with love, respect, honour and humility. He thanked MLA Betty Nippi-Albright for attending the event.
Cote said that in the past, his community never had the opportunities that exist now, and because of facilities like the treatment centre, people don’t have to hide or be ashamed anymore. He encouraged people to share their stories, which can rewrite and rebuild a life.
“Embrace the blessings the Lord has given us,” he said. Healing is great; it brings good stuff out of you.
Cote urged people, when seeing a person struggling with addictions, to help them.
“An act of kindness can go a long way,” he said. “You all have a purpose in life.”
With Martha Quewezance of Keeseekoose First Nation as the master of ceremonies, the session got underway with Senator James Whitehawk of Cote First Nation providing the opening prayer.
Before the prayer, Whitehawk provided a brief history of treatment in the area, which he said had begun after the late Dr. Rehill of Kamsack found sobriety and began an Alcoholics Anonymous group in Kamsack.
He mentioned early work at Cote First Nation, the input of the late John F. Cote, and a 12-step program related to alcohol. He mentioned the wellness centre that had been established across the street from the former Kamsack hospital and its in-patient program, which all led to the Saulteaux Healing and Wellness Centre at Cote First Nation.
Whitehawk said that a cause of alcoholism and drug addiction can be attributed to multi-generational government-designed trauma and related his struggles, having been raised in a residential school with fear, anger and resentment, along with having blamed his parents for not having “come to save us.”
He encouraged persons in treatment to listen, learn, and identify their triggers.
“Healing is rough,” he said.
“I know what it’s like to change one’s life,” said Angeline Severight, treatment director of the Saulteaux Healing and Wellness Centre, which is “a culturally-rooted addictions and trauma recovery centre dedicated to healing First Nations communities in Saskatchewan through traditional teachings and modern therapeutic approaches.
“The Saulteaux Healing and Wellness Centre stands as a beacon of hope for First Nations communities across Saskatchewan,” says its website. “(It is) founded on the principle that healing must honour both traditional Indigenous knowledge and evidence-based therapeutic practices.
“Our centre provides a safe, culturally appropriate environment where individuals and families can address trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges, while reconnecting with their cultural identity and community roots.
“We believe that true healing happens when the spirit, mind, body, and emotions are addressed in harmony with traditional teachings and ceremony, supported by contemporary therapeutic approaches and compassionate care.”
With 42 years in the field, Severight said she is a graduate of Indian social work and has a bachelor’s degree in Native studies. She said she had been angry at her mother, who had suffered in residential schools, and had died when she was only a few weeks old after having been addicted.
She said she understands what people need, which includes empathy and understanding.
“Each and every one of us is important,” she said.
Severight introduced members of the Centre’s staff, said she was proud of the youth drummers and their teachers who had performed at the opening of the session.
Describing the Centre’s 42-day program, she said that treatment does not stop at 42 days because when completed, a patient often returns to the toxic environment from which they came and without support, he or she can easily relapse.
“Addiction is powerful and is killing our people,” she said, before introducing a PowerPoint presentation about the work of the Centre.
After lunch, during which the band Bread Jam performed, Lionel Bird of Montreal Lake First Nation was to discuss the impacts of addiction on children, and Cory Chartrand, a graduate of the Centre, was to talk about the importance of aftercare. Richard Hoard of the Centre’s outreach program discussed his work.
After supper, the Asham Stompers, an award-winning square dance group from Manitoba, performed. A dance followed to conclude the day’s activities.
