Thank you, Mr. Speaker. An on-the-land program has been mentioned many times in this House. It is important we understand what communities view as on-the-land programs, which is using the land to heal ourselves, living upon the strengths of local traditional knowledge and also healing philosophies.
I’m concerned that this government, in the great spirit of devolution, is offloading responsibilities to communities and leaving the crises of addictions services to communities. I understand there are some successful initiatives in some communities. In the small communities, we are challenged with local capacity. I encourage the Department of Health and Social Services to not abandon our communities. I strongly recommend that this government work closely with local communities such as interagency groups and also with local organizations.
In Fort Providence there is a very special place called T’elemie, which is the site of the local healing lodge. It was built in 1996. The facility was developed by local leaders and people who envisioned helping their people with alcohol and drug addictions. The location is about 20 minutes from Fort Providence. With an arbour and encircled by sleeping cabins, the T’elemie Healing Lodge has been extensively used by the Residential School Society, local school and friendship centre. The T’elemie Healing Lodge is the place for meeting and gathering for the local community. It represents the symbol of community resourcefulness.
I have asked the Department of Health and Social Services what is an on-the-land program. To that, I was told it is really up to the communities. So I have gathered what I think is an on-the-land program. It’s somewhere in the bush, on the land, the water, with animals and nature. It relies on the power of nature and the environment as the healing elements. It also has a facility and it’s accessible. The program will be designed and implemented and also, at the same time, monitored and evaluated. It’s based on healing and also the recovery philosophy and also on the alcohol and drug philosophy, also on the Dene and on-the-land philosophy. It also features individual and group counselling.
I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement. Mahsi.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, the on-the-land program will also feature a 30-day program or something like that, with preparation and follow-up. It will also provide counselling, and counsellors will have safety measures in place and also, perhaps, a coordinating body. I hope the Department of Health and Social Services will provide leadership and immediately begin working with communities. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
