Siksika Iitaisokinaapyoyis Healing Lodge Recovery Community is the second of five Indigenous-led recovery communities to open in Alberta, with the remaining three expected to be finished construction by the end of this year. Alberta’s government joined the Nation in marking the grand opening of the newly built, 76-bed recovery community, which will provide no-cost, holistic and culturally guided treatment to those struggling with addiction.
The recovery community is owned and managed by the Nation and will be operated in alignment with community priorities, cultural considerations and local governance. Alberta’s government provided the capital funding for the construction of the recovery community and is committed to providing long-term operational funding in alignment with the Alberta Recovery Model, helping those experiencing addiction receive evidence-based recovery treatment close to home.
“Removing barriers to recovery-oriented care is a priority under the Alberta Recovery Model. This 76-bed recovery community is a place for those struggling with addiction an opportunity to access evidence-based and culturally grounded treatment during their pursuit of recovery.”
“The opening of the Siksika Iitaisokinaapyoyis Healing Lodge Recovery Community is about bringing healing home. Our relatives can now come home to Siksika to get well, surrounded by family, community and culture, while reconnecting with our traditional Blackfoot ways of healing. This Healing Lodge represents hope for our relatives and strength for our Nation. When our relatives heal, our families heal, our community grows stronger, and we create a healthier future for generations to come.”
The first set of clients are expected to begin treatment this fall and will receive treatment for up to one year. Siksika Nation selected a Nation-owned not-for-profit corporation, Siksika Iitaisokinaapyoyis Healing Lodge, to be the operator of the recovery community. Services offered at the recovery community embody the Nation’s culture, ceremony, identity, family and community, meeting the needs of Indigenous people and those living in southern Alberta.
“The Siksika Iitaisokinaapyoyis Healing Lodge began with a vision from Siksika Nation. The people closest to a community understand what it needs, and this beautiful new space reflects that knowledge, care and connection. The opening of the lodge is a hopeful milestone for people in recovery, their families and the community.”
“Alberta’s leadership is bringing people out of addiction and saving their lives through recovery. This comes after years of failure by other governments who put their focus on failed policy that keeps people trapped in their addiction. This new facility is a testament of our government’s commitment to recovery under the leadership of Premier Danielle Smith.”
Budget 2026 invests nearly $30 million to open and operate Indigenous-led recovery communities in Alberta. Five Indigenous-led recovery communities are being established across the province, adding more than 375 new beds to the addiction treatment system, capable of helping up to 1,500 individuals pursue recovery each year.
Recovery communities provide live-in addiction treatment and support clients to address their substance use, build holistic wellness, and develop healthy habits and social skills while also receiving employment training and other supports necessary for long-term recovery. Indigenous recovery communities incorporate Indigenous ways of healing, knowing and doing, supporting individuals in recovery reconnect with their community and culture.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s government invested about $180 million in capital funding to build five Indigenous-led recovery communities across the province, all of which are expected to be finished construction by the end of this year.
- Other recovery communities already open and operating: Red Deer Recovery Community, Lethbridge Recovery Community, Lakeview Recovery Community in Gunn, Calgary Recovery Community and Blood Tribe litakamotsiipiohsopi Recovery Community.
- Individuals in recovery communities can access treatment for up to one year at no cost to themselves or their families, as part of Alberta’s commitment to long-term addiction recovery.
- Individuals experiencing mental health and addiction challenges can call 211 Alberta to be connected to a variety of in-person and virtual supports and services, including accessing treatment in a recovery community.
- 211 Alberta is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Related news
- First Indigenous-led recovery community opens (April 17, 2026)
- Indigenous voices to shape recovery-oriented care (Dec. 4, 2025)
- Calgary Recovery Community officially opens (Aug. 21, 2025)
- Breaking ground on Blood Tribe Recovery Community (July 19, 2023)
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