Thank you treatment programs. Madam Speaker, according to the Canadian history, it is well documented that explorers and traders introduced alcohol in different ways to the Indigenous people, including the consumption of alcohol in official dealings and as a trade item. In other words, alcohol was used as a tool to influence Indigenous people and to benefit the explorer and fur traders. When alcohol was introduced to our people, alcohol abuse and destruction followed.
This alcohol abuse has continued over decades as Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories have continued to survive the impacts from colonization and systemic racism embedded in the government. As individuals, families, and communities emerge from the genocide inflicted upon Indigenous people, many turn to alcohol and other substances to cope. This perpetuates the intergenerational trauma that continues today.
Madam Speaker, the NWT desperately needs a territorialbased addiction treatment centre. Madam Speaker, how can we support the recovery and healing of our residents if we do not have an addiction treatment centre that is accessible for all residents?
Madam Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories must also recognize the importance of cultural and traditional Indigenous healing to support residents as they try to break free from the chains of addictions. This is a finding from the 2022 Auditor General of Canada Report to the Legislative Assembly on addictions, preventions, and recovery services. Quote, "that health and social services authorities did not do enough to provide residents with accessible, coordinated, and culturally safe addiction services", end quote.
Madam Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories had a relationship with Poundmaker's Lodge in Alberta for several years but now no longer has contract with this Indigenous healthcare organization. Madam Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you. Poundmaker's has always been a good treatment option for Indigenous NWT residents. Poundmaker's have an infacility detox function that allows their program to remove one of the major barriers for many Northerners wanting to attend residential treatment needing to be sober before they can access treatment. Currently the Government of the Northwest Territories policies require people to be sober for a given period of time and then attend several counselling sessions before they will be considered eligible for southern treatment. For many people having made a decision to reach out for help, this is a barrier that is more than they can manage at this fragile point in their life.
Poundmaker's has also developed a community outreach program where their treatment program can be offered in a sixweek program in northern communities. This is followed up with a year of aftercare activities that help people in recovery to prevent relapse and deal with the triggers, stress, and craving that they will face when they come out of treatment into their family and community again.
After our healthcare system struggling to fill positions across the Northwest Territories, Poundmaker's Lodge provides wonderful opportunities to provide highly trained staff with Indigenous sensibilities and methodologies for even our smallest communities. Madam Speaker, how is it possible that the Government of the Northwest Territories does not have Indigenous addiction services for residents and when they were able to contract for these services, the Government of the Northwest Territories was unable to maintain their contract with Poundmaker's due to contract disputes related to medical and other contract details? I will have question for the Minister of Health and Social Services at appropriate time. Thank you
Thank you, Member. Members' statements. Just remind everybody, you have two and a half minutes for your statements. Members' statements. Member for Hay River South.
