08 May 2023
The opening of the Muskowekwan Family Healing & Wellness Centre comes at an important time for the Saulteaux First Nation, located in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Incorporating a variety of physical and mental health services as well as wellness programs, the centre is addressing head-on the systemic impacts of historical trauma faced by First Nations including Muskowekwan.
Community members, dignitaries and representatives from BHP, who donated to support construction of four log buildings as part of the centre’s first phase, were on hand to celebrate a symbolic turning of the corner for the First Nation.
From early April, four properties on Muskowekwan will be open to families who will benefit from traditional land-based practices and a healing model that addresses the needs of a community overcoming generational trauma.
The traditional setting is so important because it brings treatment into a culturally supportive environment and ensures families stay together during a three-month multigenerational healing journey.
It’s a view reinforced Vernetta Campeau, a Council Member of the Muskowekwan First Nation.
“To have this healing centre here on Muskowekwan where our people can come and heal is an awesome and phenomenal hurdle that we took and overcame,” Vernetta said. “We are helping one another.”
BHP partnered with the Muskowekwan First Nation to support their application to a federal housing initiative that provided funding for the construction of the healing centre. That support builds on our commitments as part of the social investment provision of our Opportunities Agreements with six First Nations in Saskatchewan.
Vice President Potash, Simon Thomas, said BHP was proud to have been asked to support the development of the centre and ensure construction characteristics important to Muskowekwan people were incorporated.
"We have deep respect for the distinct cultures, rights, perspectives and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples and know that Truth and Reconciliation is everyone's responsibility,” Simon said.
“BHP is committed to learning and advancing understanding and we wish the Muskowekwan Family Healing & Wellness Centre success as it provides traditional land-based services and support to its first cohort of clients from April onwards."
Hear from community members and program facilitators in this short video.
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