The Alberta Recovery Model is a system of care built by Alberta’s government to support those suffering from addiction in their pursuit of recovery. The services made available through this model are providing a continuum of care including prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. The model is based on the fact that recovery is possible, and that there is hope for those currently facing addiction. It is the Alberta government’s belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life and reunite with their family, community and culture.
Continuing to build the Alberta Recovery Model, Alberta’s government has partnered with the Métis Nation within Alberta to build a recovery community, implementing treatment based on its culture and practices. A $35-million investment from Alberta’s government is a significant step forward in addressing the addiction crisis, which has disproportionately impacted Indigenous communities. This facility will be known as the Healing Waters Recovery Community and will have 75 long-term treatment beds, capable of supporting up to 300 people every year in their pursuit of recovery.
“This partnership with the Métis Nation will provide life-saving addiction treatment to those in need and will rebuild families and communities that have been affected by this disease. Lives are changed by recovery, and our government is proud to be helping people onto that path. Recovery is possible.”
Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
“This investment shows our government’s commitment to working with Indigenous communities in providing culturally-safe addiction treatment. I am excited for this to move forward and hear about how lives are changed.”
Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
“Healing Waters will serve as a beacon of hope for Métis Citizens and Albertans who are recovering from substance use. We are proud to be working with the Government of Alberta to bring this state-of-the-art facility near Métis Crossing and to provide a blend of western and traditional health care, with a Métis focus, that will support people’s recovery journeys.”
Andrea Sandmaier, president, Métis Nation within Alberta
In total, Alberta’s government is building 11 recovery communities, five of which are in partnership with Indigenous communities. The total investment into Indigenous recovery communities is about $180 million. The Healing Waters Recovery Community in partnership with the Métis Nation will be built about 100 km northwest of Edmonton, near Métis Crossing. Clients will access services at no cost and will have the opportunity to stay there for up to one year.
“This partnership between Alberta’s government and the Métis Nation will have an incredible, lasting impact on the families who call Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock home. The reality is that nearly every family is impacted by addiction in one way or another. A focus on treatment and recovery is going to change countless lives for decades to come.”
Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock
At the recovery community, clients will participate in a program that includes individual and group therapy, skills development and relationship building. This ensures those leaving treatment can succeed in recovery with employment, housing and reconnection with family and friends.
“As a Métis-run recovery community, Healing Waters will provide recovery-oriented care to individuals grappling with substance use. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is proud to play a role in helping reduce barriers and provide culturally appropriate treatment options for our Citizens and all Albertans who are pursing recovery.”
Kaila Mitchell, secretary of Mental Health and Addictions, Métis Nation within Alberta
The Métis Nation within Alberta has worked with Alberta’s government to select a site and design a building that reflects and honours Métis culture. Construction is planned to be completed in 2026.
Alberta’s government is also building Indigenous recovery communities in partnership with Siksika Nation, Blood Tribe, Enoch Cree Nation and Tsuut’ina Nation. Alberta’s government is making record investments and removing barriers to recovery-oriented supports for all Albertans, regardless of where they live or their financial situation. In addition to the more than 10,000 new, publicly funded addiction treatment spaces, the government has expanded access to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, which provides same-day access to life-saving treatment medication.
Quick facts
- With a total capital investment of nearly $350 million, including funding already provided, Alberta’s government is building 11 recovery communities across the province that will be able to support up to 2,000 Albertans each year pursue recovery. This includes:
- Five recovery communities being built in direct partnership with Indigenous communities.
- Three recovery communities already open in Red Deer, Lethbridge and Gunn.
- A recovery community in Calgary opening in early 2025.
- Two recovery communities in Grande Prairie and Edmonton that are in the planning and development phase.
- Albertans struggling with opioid addiction can contact the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) by calling 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no waitlist.
Related information
Related news
Building a recovery community with Enoch Cree Nation (April 24, 2023)
Alberta opens another world-class recovery community (Aug. 15, 2024)
Breaking ground on Siksika’s recovery community (June 28, 2024)
Building recovery in northern Alberta (May 31, 2024)
Opening doors to recovery in southern Alberta (Sept. 21, 2023)
Breaking ground on Blood Tribe Recovery Community (July 19, 2023)
Building a recovery community with Tsuut’ina Nation (July 5, 2023)