Public hearing set for proposed healing centre in Woodlands
A proposed wellness centre aims to offer culturally sensitive healing in the RM of Woodlands.
On Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m., the RM of Woodlands will host a public hearing for a conditional use request by Fisher River Band to develop a wellness and addictions healing centre on the property on Road 86N. The hearing will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion Woodlands Branch at 120 Argyle St.
According to the letter of intent, the centre would be dedicated to providing comprehensive wellness and addictions recovery services. Its mission would be to support people “on their journey to healing and wellness through a holistic approach that integrates physical, emotional and mental health.”
The centre would offer various services designed to address the needs of people struggling with addictions and seeking overall wellness.
“Its vision will be to create a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where clients can receive the care and resources necessary for effective recovery and sustainable well-being,” states the letter of intent.
“The centre will focus on providing culturally sensitive addiction and wellness support by utilizing traditional healing methods such as ceremonies, drumming, the use of tipis and sweat lodges, smudging, dancing and other traditional resources.”
These resources will be offered in conjunction with addiction recovery programs, which would include individual counselling, group therapy sessions, detoxification support and relapse prevention programs.
The centre would also offer holistic wellness therapies such as wellness coaching, stress management workshops, nutritional counselling, and mindfulness and meditation sessions.
Educational and support services would include workshops on addiction and wellness, support groups for families and individuals, and community outreach programs.
“The centre will focus on male members of Fisher River Cree Nation of all ages who are seeking recovery from addiction and striving for improved wellness,” the letter states.
“The programs will be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring a personalized approach to their recovery journey.”
Qualified professionals would staff the facility. The grounds would offer lodging for residents, which might include the construction of a bunkhouse-style building for staff accommodations.
“The centre represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical needs of Fisher River Cree Nation members facing addiction and seeking wellness,” the letter states.
“We believe that our centre will make a meaningful impact and contribute positively to the Indigenous people and the surrounding community.”
The RM of Woodlands will host several other public hearings on Dec. 17 in the council chambers at the municipal office (57 Railway Ave.):
• 2:05 p.m. — conditional use request to develop a used dwelling on Road 77N.
• 2:10 p.m. — conditional use request to allow a balcony deck and staircase to be six feet, six inches from the west property line instead of the required eight feet.
• 2:15 p.m. — conditional use request to have four beehives plus one nucleus hive at a property on Parker Street. The request was previously approved in February 2024, with a condition that it would expire in 12 months and require a reapplication.
