Nechi Institute

December 2 2019

CC Minister of Indigenous Relations

I understand your government is shutting down the Nechi Institute, an important First Nations treatment centre that has assisted thousands of First Nations people over the past 45 years. It is recognized all over the world for its work in indigenous education, research and health promotion. This, in the midst of an addictions crisis?

Does your government intend to replace the Nechi Institute with anything?

If not, just how low does this government intend to stoop in regard to assisting our most vulnerable citizens?
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Response December 19 2019

Hello Nicola,

The Province of Alberta continues to be in the midst of an opioid crisis. This government’s priority is to expand access to addiction treatment for all Albertans, especially Indigenous Albertans who are dying at a rate 4 times faster than non-Indigenous in the province. As our friends at Poundmaker's Lodge state “We believe the current government has been extremely responsive and taken necessary steps to implement and support Truth and Reconciliation recommendations toward increasing treatment bed space necessary for our indigenous people’s survival.” The Nechi Institute is currently occupying strategic clinical space. We are open to working together to find a suitable alternative location.

Our government is dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis in Alberta. We value the training that the Nechi Institute provides to Indigenous students but also recognize that the space currently occupied is urgently needed for the delivery of addiction treatment to Indigenous people. We’re working with Poundmaker’s and other treatment providers across the province to plan for the opening of an additional 4,000 publicly funded treatment spaces announced earlier this year.

Again, the Nechi institute is a valued organization that delivers training to indigenous students. They currently occupy clinical patient space that is urgently needed for the deliver of addiction treatment to indigenous people. We are working together with Poundmaker’s Lodge to expand the availability of addictions treatment, and we are open to working with the Nechi Institute to find a suitable location.

Regards,


Martine Carifelle

Constituent Assistant for MLA Pat Rehn

Lesser Slave Lake