NationTalk: Indigenous Services Canada – The White Buffalo Treatment Centre Board of Directors and staff, in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada, is pleased to announce the grand opening of their permanent facility located on Muskoday First Nation, Saskatchewan.

The treatment centre is designed to meet the needs of Indigenous female youth, between the ages of 12 and 17, who are experiencing substance use problems with drugs, alcohol and or inhalants.

The treatment facility includes common areas, therapy rooms, a gymnasium and exercise room, a kitchen and dining area, a courtyard, and additional bedrooms for future program expansion.

Treatment at White Buffalo Treatment Centre is founded on a culturally-based holistic model with four cornerstones of treatment: spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental. During their treatment, youth participate in extensive individual casework and group counselling sessions, formal education, equine therapy, cultural teachings and ceremonies, and activities related to relaxation, recreation, and life-skills building.

The Government of Canada recognizes the need to foster the strength and resilience of Indigenous individuals, families and communities. Supporting community based approaches that address substance use that include prevention, treatment and harm reduction is critical to the mental and physical health and safety of young Indigenous people.

Quick facts

• White Buffalo Treatment Centre is one of 10 facilities located across Canada funded under Indigenous Services Canada’s National Youth Solvent Abuse Program (NYSAP) with a mandate of providing both residential and outreach services for female youth experiencing difficulties related to abuse of inhalants, drugs and alcohol as well as associated mental health needs.
• Established in 1996, White Buffalo Treatment Centre empowers Indigenous youth and families through culturally-based, holistic treatment and community outreach services. They have maintained Accreditation from the Canadian Accreditation Council (CAC) since 1999.The organization is provincially incorporated and managed by a board of directors.
• Muskoday First Nation is located 15 minutes South East of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. As of 2019, it has a registered population of 1,942 people, of which approximately 624 members of the First Nation live on-reserve.