Study finds strong support for Tłı̨chǫ treatment centre

A new report says there is strong support for developing an Indigenous addictions treatment centre in the Tłı̨chǫ region.

The Tłı̨chǫ Government recently released the report, which outlines findings from public engagement conducted as part of a treatment feasibility study.

“The findings confirm strong and consistent support for a Tłı̨chǫ-led treatment centre that is culturally grounded, trauma-informed, family-centred, and connected to a full continuum of care before, during and after treatment,” the report states.

The report is based on engagement sessions held in Tłı̨chǫ communities and Yellowknife earlier this year attended by a total of 136 people. It also includes the results of engagement with 70 stakeholders and online surveys completed by 199 adults and 63 youth.

According to the report, most participants said they want a treatment centre with a hybrid model that includes inpatient and outpatient treatment, community-based supports, land-based and culture-based healing, detox or withdrawal support, family programming and aftercare.

Participants suggested starting small, such as 30 to 90-day treatment options and flexible timelines based on each case. They said the centre should focus on Tłıchǫ citizens while remaining open to others as capacity allows.

Engagement participants said addiction is rooted in trauma, grief, intergenerational impacts, family disruption, loss of language and culture, housing insecurity, poverty, limited local supports and easy access to alcohol and drugs.

They said treatment must address a whole person, their family and community, and be rooted in Tłı̨chǫ language, culture and values.

Existing gaps in service

The report highlights current challenges and gaps in service. They include:

• requiring Tłı̨chǫ residents to leave their communities to access treatment;
• language barriers;
• a lack of childcare and family supports;
• excessive paperwork;
• housing shortages;
• a lack of aftercare and wraparound services; and
• a limited number of Indigenous counsellors.

The report says 70 percent of adult survey respondents found accessing help confusing and 33 percent of youth respondents found it difficult to get help. Most youth respondents had not heard of existing programs.

The NWT government currently sends residents to centres in the provinces for facility-based addictions treatment. It also provides annual funding for Indigenous governments and organizations in the NWT to deliver culturally relevant, community-based mental health and addictions projects.

A 2022 auditor general’s report highlighted “concerning shortcomings” with addictions services in the territory, including limited aftercare when people return from treatment.

Indigenous leaders across the territory have long called for enhanced addiction supports as communities face a growing drug crisis and impacts from substance abuse and illicit drug activity. The territorial government has in the past said NWT-based treatment centres can be hard to adequately staff, pointing to previous failed attempts.

The Tłı̨chǫ Government launched its feasibility study on establishing a treatment centre in the region last year.

Next steps

The engagement report says next steps include confirming a preferred treatment model, completing a business case and identifying potential locations for a centre.

The Tłı̨chǫ Government said it plans to develop a funding strategy, Tłı̨chǫ-led governance model, program standards, local workforce strategy, and an aftercare and recovery housing approach.

The report adds there is an immediate need to strengthen youth prevention and awareness initiatives. That includes promoting existing services, expanding youth-focused land-based and cultural programming, creating safe spaces, and offering peer groups and activity-based supports.

“A future Tłı̨chǫ treatment centre has the potential to strengthen individuals, families, youth, Elders and communities by offering a place of safety, dignity, reconnection and hope,” the report states.

“With careful planning, committed leadership and continued community direction, the Tłı̨chǫ Government can advance a model of care that reflects who Tłı̨chǫ people are, where they come from and how healing can be carried forward for future generations.”