Alberta’s government joins the Blood Tribe in celebrating the grand opening of the newly built, 75-bed recovery community, which will provide no-cost, land-based treatment to those struggling with addiction. This is the first of five Indigenous-led recovery communities to open in Alberta, expanding access to recovery-oriented and culturally appropriate addiction treatment.
This recovery community reflects a partnership between Alberta’s government and the Blood Tribe/Kainaiwa, rooted in respect and true reconciliation. Alberta’s government provided the capital funding for construction and is committed to providing long-term operational funding for the recovery community, which is owned and managed by the Nation. The recovery community was built and will be operated in alignment with community priorities, cultural considerations and local governance.
“For too many families, addiction has taken a real toll. This first-of-its-kind recovery community, led by the Blood Tribe, creates a place where people can heal, rebuild their lives and reconnect with their community. With this recovery community, more Albertans will break the cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives.”
“The Alberta Recovery Model is focused on ensuring anyone struggling with addiction can access the care they need to pursue recovery. The opening of these 75 beds provides greater access to barrier-free and culturally safe pathways for people to get well and reclaim their lives.”
“For those suffering from addiction, this facility will open doors to life-saving treatment and recovery. Funded by Alberta’s government and operated by the Blood Tribe Department of Health, this recovery community signifies partnership and collaboration in solving a problem that takes a devastating toll on families and communities.”
The Blood Tribe Iitakamotsiipiohsopi Recovery Community is operated by the Blood Tribe Department of Health. Clients will have access to comprehensive services that embody the Nation’s culture, ceremony, identity, family and community to meet the needs of Indigenous people and those living in southern Alberta. The first set of clients will begin treatment this month and have access to evidence-based, wholistic treatment for up to one year.
“Today is the realization of a dream our community has held for a long time. Iitakamotsiipiohsopi means ‘a place to recover,’ and we honour those who advocated tirelessly for safe, stable aftercare support on the Blood Reserve. It has been our privilege to carry that vision forward, and we are elated to see it become a reality.”
“Opening the Iitakamotsiipiohsopi Recovery Community represents a landmark moment in the growth and evolution of our organization. Today marks the start of offering a full continuum of care for Blood Tribe members without them ever having to leave our community. We are proud of the legacy we are creating in providing high-quality and culturally grounded care available to Blood Tribe members and Albertans.”
Budget 2026 invests $29.6 million to open and operate five Indigenous-led recovery communities this year, in Siksika Nation, Enoch Cree Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation and Métis Nation of Alberta, as well as Blood Tribe. Once complete, these Indigenous-led recoveries communities will add 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 at no cost. Individuals can stay for up to one year as they address their substance use and build wholistic wellness, develop healthy habits and social skills while receiving employment training and other supports necessary for long-term recovery. Supports are tailored to the individual and include cultural integration to help an individual heal and reconnect with their community.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s government has invested about $180 million in capital funding to build five Indigenous-led recovery communities across the province, all of which are expected to open this year.
- Other recovery communities already open and operating are: Red Deer Recovery Community (May 2023), Lethbridge Recovery Community (September 2023), Lakeview Recovery Community in Gunn (August 2024) and Calgary Recovery Community (August 2025).
- 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
- 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)
