Photo from left: Mosaic President and CEO, Bruce Bodine, Ochapowace Nation Chief Shelley A. Bear, and Moosomin-Montmartre MLA Kevin Weedmark during Mosaic’s announcement that they are committing $500,000 to a new recovery and wellness centre for Ochapowace Nation / Ryan Kiedrowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
By: Ryan Kiedrowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The World-Spectator
Mosaic is contributing $500,000 toward the capital cost of building a new addictions recovery centre that is being planned by Ochapowace Nation on land south of Broadview.
An event was held on January 28 at Mosaic’s head office in Regina to announce the $500,000 commitment for the recovery centre. “I am very emotional at this time,” said Senator Margaret Bear of FSIN at the event.
“Today is a very significant day for us, for our people, and for all of the people of our communities, who we will welcome into our beautiful lodge when it is ready, for healing and wellness.”
Weedmark thanks Ochapowace and Mosaic.
Moosomin-Montmartre MLA Kevin Weedmark represented the provincial government at the announcement. “I am honoured to be here to celebrate Mosaic’s significant contribution towards the Ochapowace Nation’s efforts to build a new treatment centre,” he said.
“Mental health challenges and addictions impact many families across Saskatchewan, including those in the Ochapowace community and southeast Saskatchewan. And I know the challenges of addictions can be daunting for many individuals and their families.”
“That’s why I especially want to thank Chief Shelley Bear, the Ochapowace Nation Council, and other community leaders for their ongoing work to develop a 20-bed treatment centre near Broadview.”
“This will enable people taking those critical steps towards recovery to have a way to seek and receive help closer to home.”
“When this new facility is complete, people will have a place where they can feel safe, welcomed, supported, and cared for while they embark on the path to a better future.”
“Also, I want to thank Mosaic CEO Bruce Bodine for Mosaic’s continued commitment to the province and our region. Today’s $500,000 contribution will go a long way towards changing many lives for the better and creating a brighter, healthier future for many people.”
“Our government is adding 500 additional treatment spaces over the next five years because we are focused on a recovery-oriented approach.”
“Those 500 spaces will more than double our existing spaces for addictions treatment within the publicly funded system.”
“We want to get people the help they need when they need it. We believe this is the safest and most effective form of treatment.”
“The most important step one can take is seeking treatment and getting on the path to recovery that enables them to succeed and live happier, healthier lives in recovery.”
“I applaud the work of the Ochapowace Nation and Mosaic, and I offer best wishes to the community for their treatment centre project.”
“Thank you all for your hard work to make our communities a better, stronger, and healthier place to live.”
Bodine says Mosaic is pleased to make a contribution.
“Our Esterhazy potash operation neighbours several First Nations, including Ochawapace Nation,” said Mosaic CEO Bruce Bodine. “For much of Mosaic’s 60-year streak here, mining in this area, we didn’t have intentional relationships with First Nations around our mining operations.”
“However, in 2018, a time when I had the honour to lead our potash business here in Saskatchewan, we made a decision to really think about this and do better. We committed to increasing our Indigenous hires, our Indigenous community investment, and our Indigenous procurement span with a target of 15% in each of those areas by the end of 2025, and I’m pleased to say that by year’s end this year, we are on track to meet or surpass all three of those target objectives. We know that we still have much more work that we have to do, and we need to do that as we work today together.”
“It starts with being engaged with our neighbours and communities by working together to solve real challenges. As MLA Weedmark shared with us, Saskatchewan, as many communities across North America, is experiencing an ever-growing need for healing and treatment centres.”
“The government is committed to adding 500 treatment spaces across the province. Chief Bear has advocated for her own community to have up to 20 of those spaces on Ochapowace Nation and make them accessible to any Saskatchewan resident.”
“Today, I’m pleased to share that the Mosaic company is committing $500,000 to Ochapowace Nation’s capital campaign to build a recovery and wellness centre south of Broadview.”
Bear thanks Bodine, Weedmark.
“I want to acknowledge Mr. Bodine and Mr. Weedmark, our MLA, for your contribution and assistance,” said Ochapowace Chief Shelley Bear.
“Our community has been in a state of emergency for many years. For many years our people have been attending funerals of young ones in our community.”
“Young people are losing their parents, grandparents are losing their children and grandchildren.”
“As leaders, it’s taken a toll on us for many years. Senator Margaret Bear is our former chief, and her vision for many years was to have the treatment centre. Our former leadership, that have led our nation for many years, this was their vision as well. Ochopowace, back in the ‘70s, was one of the First Nations that had an AA program brought to the land because they saw the direction that some of our people were going.”
“We’ve lost many. We know our way can help; we know our ceremonies can help.”
“We are very thankful to Mosaic for their contribution. It is very emotional when you work so hard towards something and, in some cases, doors get shut, but never give up. When those doors were shut, we kept on going. Thank you, Mosaic, and thank you to the province.”
“Not only will this treatment centre help us today, but it’s going to help us change lives far into the future for the people of Saskatchewan.”
“Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for your contribution, and I hope others will step up and see what a good partner Mosaic is for sharing that togetherness with us.”