People in northeastern British Columbia are one step closer to a new centre that will offer a holistic, culturally safe approach to addictions treatment and recovery, supporting more people on their healing journey.
“This groundbreaking marks a meaningful step forward in building a more inclusive and culturally safe health-care system,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The North Wind Wellness Centre will provide vital, comprehensive support for people on their healing journey, closer to home and community. It’s a powerful example of how we can work together to build services that are rooted in community and focused on wellness.”
Located in Pouce Coupe at 5213 Hospital Rd., the new North Wind Wellness Centre (NWWC) will have 55 spaces and will integrate First Nations healing practices with clinical care to support people at all stages of recovery. The NWWC will provide five detox beds, 10 addiction treatment beds, 40 self-contained supportive housing units and the Junction, a recovery-based community centre at the heart of the complex that will serve as a resource hub for those in treatment.
This project is a partnership between the Province, the First Nations Health Authority, Northern Health, BC Housing, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the North Wind Wellness Centre Society. The project also received support from the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, the Peace River Regional District and the Village of Pouce Coupe.
Colleen Nyce, Northern Health board chair –
“The North Wind Wellness Centre fills a critical need in the region and will allow people to get the care they need in a facility rooted in healing, culture and community. Northern Health is proud to be a partner in this journey, supporting a model of care that is both innovative and deeply respectful of Indigenous traditions.”
For more info, read the full BC Gov News release: "First-of-its-kind in Canada, First Nations healing centre breaks ground"