First Nation in Ontario has no space for alcohol-drug detox centre, so dozens being helped at a hotel

Detoxing from drugs and alcohol is a challenging journey that requires strength, determination, and support. For Kyle Arnold, a community support worker, witnessing members of Long Lake #58 First Nation go through withdrawal together in a safe space has been a beautiful and inspiring experience.

Long Lake #58 is an Ojibway community located northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Recently, 42 members of the community embarked on a 10-day detox program at the NorWester Hotel and Conference Centre, which is partially owned by the First Nation. This initiative aims to provide a supportive environment for individuals to detox from substances such as alcohol and drugs.

Arnold emphasizes the importance of having community members detox together, as it fosters a sense of trust and support among participants. Unlike traditional detox programs where individuals are surrounded by strangers, the Long Lake #58 members are surrounded by family and friends, creating a safe and familiar environment for vulnerability and healing.

The decision to bring members to the hotel for detox was prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the prevalence of alcoholism and addiction within the community. Noreen Agnew, the band representative manager, spearheaded the Better Together Wellness Strategy, which focuses on collective healing through cultural programming and support circles.

The Thunder Bay district, which includes Long Lake #58, has a high rate of opioid-related deaths, making detoxification a crucial step in addiction treatment. Medical detox allows individuals to safely withdraw from substances under the supervision of healthcare professionals, reducing the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms and medical complications.

After completing the 10-day detox program, participants will undergo a two- to three-week treatment program at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care in Thunder Bay. They will then return home for land-based, cultural healing, which involves activities such as sweats, drumming, and connecting with their cultural heritage.

Arnold hopes that Long Lake #58’s detox program will serve as a model for other First Nations communities without on-site detox facilities. By prioritizing collective healing and cultural connection, Long Lake #58 is paving the way for innovative approaches to addiction treatment and recovery.

For individuals embarking on their recovery journey, Arnold offers a message of hope and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support and staying connected to one’s community throughout the healing process. With the right resources and determination, recovery is possible for anyone, regardless of their past struggles.

As Long Lake #58 continues to support its members through detox and treatment, the community serves as a beacon of strength and unity, inspiring others to prioritize healing and wellness.