Province steps in to fund recovery communities to combat drug, alcohol addictions on First Nations

By Shari Narine  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter The fourth “recovery community” on a First Nation was announced today by the Alberta government. This week the province signed separate memorandums of understanding with Tsuut’ina and Siksika Nations June 5 and June 6 respectively, offering each up to $30 million toward the capital costs of 75-bed holistic facilities to be built in their nations. The facilities will treat both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people with drug and alcohol addictions. United Conservative Party (UCP) Premier Danielle Smith said the province was stepping up to fill the “unacceptable” void being left by the lack of federal dollars. In April, the same announcement was made for Enoch Cree Nation. In 2020 the UCP, then led by Premier Jason Kenney, announced a similar facility for the Blood…

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