With construction of the new cabins complete, the camp near Pinehouse now has 15 permanent inpatient addictions treatment spaces, up from 12 temporary spaces.
The 15 new spaces are part of the provincial government’s commitment to add 500 addictions spaces under the new Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions. So far, 213 addictions treatment spaces have been announced.
“Muskwa Lake Wellness Camp brings people together to provide vital, culturally responsive addictions treatment services,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said in a media release. “I am proud that we can support the camp as it helps people on their recovery journey. The $1.6 million in annual funding will provide the camp with stable and reliable funding to continue its great work.”
The operational funding agreement for the camp is between Muskwa Lake and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and the camp can now service 120 patients a year.
Along with the new cabins, Muskwa Lake also announced that its soon-to-be built new main lodge will be named Sītoskātotān Lodge, meaning “support each other.” The new lodge is dedicated to the late Leonard McCallum, who pioneered the land-based community healing camp.
“The name Sītoskātotān, meaning’supporting each other’ in Cree, captures the spirit of the initiative that Leonard so passionately championed,” Kineepik Métis Local #9 Health and Wellness Manager Kimberly Smith said in a media release. “Leonard McCallum was a man of deep conviction who, despite his personal struggles with alcoholism, held a steadfast belief in the power of community and the importance of healing through connection with the land and each other. The Sītoskātotān Lodge stands as a testament to his vision and his unwavering commitment to our community.”
Muskwa Lake Wellness Camp is operated by Kineepik Métis Local #9 and has been in operation for over 37 years.