Phoenix Rising
Painting by Courtney Watts
Past, Present & Future
Native Horizons Treatment Centre proudly reopened its doors in fall 2023, marking a significant milestone in our journey. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the Ministry of Infrastructure for their generous grant of $5.3 million, which played a crucial role in the construction of our facility. Although we initially faced a shortfall from the $6.95 million needed to complete the building, our persistent efforts and negotiations with various stakeholders turned our dream into a reality.
We are deeply thankful for the guidance and support of the Creator throughout this journey, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. Despite the difficulties, we have emerged stronger and more resilient, transitioning from a period of uncertainty into a new era of hope and healing.
Our commitment to providing innovative and effective programming has never wavered. Even during the construction phase, we managed to keep some of our programs running, and our staff continued to learn, create, and adapt to new methods of delivering our services.
Now, with our new facility, we are more equipped than ever to offer a range of programs and services that cater to the needs of our community. We look forward to continuing our mission of healing and empowering individuals and families, guided by our enduring values and the ever-present support of the Creator.
We are deeply thankful for the guidance and support of the Creator throughout this journey, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. Despite the difficulties, we have emerged stronger and more resilient, transitioning from a period of uncertainty into a new era of hope and healing.
Our commitment to providing innovative and effective programming has never wavered. Even during the construction phase, we managed to keep some of our programs running, and our staff continued to learn, create, and adapt to new methods of delivering our services.
Now, with our new facility, we are more equipped than ever to offer a range of programs and services that cater to the needs of our community. We look forward to continuing our mission of healing and empowering individuals and families, guided by our enduring values and the ever-present support of the Creator.
We are creating new and improved programs (moving to an 8-week program!) – Outreach, support and our CARE Project. Stay tuned for more news regarding these & other programs.
NHTC MAP
National Native Alcohol Abuse Program (NNAAP)
The National Native Alcohol Abuse Program (NNAAP) was established in 1977 to support Native communities in addressing alcohol abuse through the development of community prevention programs. In 1982, following a comprehensive review, the program expanded under the guidance of the then Minister of Health and Welfare, Monique Begin, to include drug abuse and treatment, becoming the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP). This expansion introduced drug abuse treatment and established 730 treatment beds nationwide. Regional needs assessments were conducted to determine the necessary number of beds, locations, and program specifics.
The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) conducted the needs assessment for Southwestern Ontario. Completed by 1985/86, the assessment indicated a requirement of 20-30 beds in the area. However, the Medical Services Branch (MSB) allocated 15 beds for Southwestern Ontario.
The process for selecting the facility’s location involved community tenders. Oneida First Nation initially topped the list but declined MSB’s request to surrender the identified land. New Credit First Nation, ranking second, also refused to surrender their land but chose to legally contest for the right to establish the facility, akin to schools and churches. After a year of legal challenges, they successfully retained land ownership. The Native Horizons Treatment Centre, currently leasing thirty acres from the band, renegotiates this lease every five years. The Centre’s building is owned by a Board of Directors comprising six First Nation community representatives.
The Centre’s program staff, hired in January 1989, initially worked in the Council Chambers of an old school building. During this period, they developed program materials, administrative forms, policies, and procedures, while also focusing on their personal healing and recovery. This preparatory phase was crucial for the staff to effectively assist clients in treatment.
The Centre’s first client received dedicated attention from all twelve staff members in a day patient program. The construction of the Centre’s building began in March 1989, with the staff moving in by November of the same year. The first six-week program was launched in January 1990, and the Centre officially opened on March 2, 1990, with a ceremony attended by dignitaries.
Since its inception, Native Horizons Treatment Centre has conducted 160 six-week programs, 38 two-week follow-up programs, 7 three-week family programs, 8 youth and children’s day camp programs, 4 seven-day Hold On To Your Heart programs, and numerous other workshops and training sessions. The Centre has welcomed over a thousand individuals and looks forward to assisting many more in their journey towards a balanced, healthy, and joyful life.
In June 2020, Native Horizons Treatment Centre marked its 30th anniversary with a two-day event. This celebration included the unveiling of a memorial stone in honor of Maurice LaForme’s dedication to the healing of First Nations and welcomed alumni to share their healing journeys. The Centre continues its commitment to providing quality programs and services, empowering individuals, families, and communities.
The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) conducted the needs assessment for Southwestern Ontario. Completed by 1985/86, the assessment indicated a requirement of 20-30 beds in the area. However, the Medical Services Branch (MSB) allocated 15 beds for Southwestern Ontario.
The process for selecting the facility’s location involved community tenders. Oneida First Nation initially topped the list but declined MSB’s request to surrender the identified land. New Credit First Nation, ranking second, also refused to surrender their land but chose to legally contest for the right to establish the facility, akin to schools and churches. After a year of legal challenges, they successfully retained land ownership. The Native Horizons Treatment Centre, currently leasing thirty acres from the band, renegotiates this lease every five years. The Centre’s building is owned by a Board of Directors comprising six First Nation community representatives.
The Centre’s program staff, hired in January 1989, initially worked in the Council Chambers of an old school building. During this period, they developed program materials, administrative forms, policies, and procedures, while also focusing on their personal healing and recovery. This preparatory phase was crucial for the staff to effectively assist clients in treatment.
The Centre’s first client received dedicated attention from all twelve staff members in a day patient program. The construction of the Centre’s building began in March 1989, with the staff moving in by November of the same year. The first six-week program was launched in January 1990, and the Centre officially opened on March 2, 1990, with a ceremony attended by dignitaries.
Since its inception, Native Horizons Treatment Centre has conducted 160 six-week programs, 38 two-week follow-up programs, 7 three-week family programs, 8 youth and children’s day camp programs, 4 seven-day Hold On To Your Heart programs, and numerous other workshops and training sessions. The Centre has welcomed over a thousand individuals and looks forward to assisting many more in their journey towards a balanced, healthy, and joyful life.
In June 2020, Native Horizons Treatment Centre marked its 30th anniversary with a two-day event. This celebration included the unveiling of a memorial stone in honor of Maurice LaForme’s dedication to the healing of First Nations and welcomed alumni to share their healing journeys. The Centre continues its commitment to providing quality programs and services, empowering individuals, families, and communities.