First Nations-led Recovery Community brings together culturally grounded healing and clinical care

ENOCH CREE NATION, AB, Oct. 26, 2026 /CNW/ -- Enoch Cree Nation (maskekosihk) is proud to announce the completion of the maskekosihk Recovery Community (MRC), marking a significant milestone in the Nation's commitment to supporting individuals and families on their journeys of healing and recovery.

The maskekosihk Recovery Community was developed to support people experiencing substance use and addiction through an approach that brings together evidence-based treatment and Indigenous ways of knowing. Its vision is rooted in nehiyaw pimâtisiwin, a way of life grounded in balance, connection and wellness.

"Today is about more than opening the doors to a new building. It is about opening a door to hope, healing and another path forward for our people," said okimâw (Chief) Cody Thomas. "For too long, Indigenous families and communities have carried the impacts of intergenerational trauma and addiction. This Recovery Community reflects our belief that healing must include culture, identity, connection and belonging."

"Healing is about the whole person: mind, body and spirit," said Glori Sharphead, opaminikew for the mâmawi-wîcihitowin direction at Enoch Cree Nation. "Bringing culture, ceremony and clinical care together creates a place where our people can reconnect with who they are and move forward with hope."

Following a cultural opening later this fall, the Recovery Community will begin a phased approach to scaling up operations over the winter months.

The initial phase will focus on establishing programs, building the team and strengthening operational processes. Services and operational capacity will gradually expand as the Recovery Community establishes its operations.

This measured approach will support responsible growth while keeping quality of care, cultural supports, participant experience and long-term sustainability at the centre of operations.

The maskekosihk Recovery Community was supported through funding from the Government of Alberta as part of provincial efforts to expand access to mental health and addiction recovery services.

"Recovery is possible, and every new recovery community means more people can access the support they need to reclaim their lives from addiction. We are proud to partner with Enoch Cree Nation to help more individuals heal, strengthen families and build healthier communities."

Honourable Rick Wilson
Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
Government of Alberta

"The maskekosihk Recovery Community is hope made tangible, a place where healing is strengthened by belonging and people can pursue recovery while remaining connected to the family, community, culture and traditions that sustain them. This recovery community will have a lasting impact for generations to come."

Honourable Rajan Sawhney
Minister of Indigenous Relations
Government of Alberta

During development, Enoch Cree Nation worked in collaboration with Recovery Alberta to support clinical programming and operational readiness, while maintaining the Nation's leadership in ensuring services reflect community values, cultural teachings and local priorities.

Enoch Cree Nation extends its appreciation to the Elders, leadership, Recovery Community team, partners and community members who helped bring the maskekosihk Recovery Community from vision to reality.

Information about participant intake, referrals and access to services will be provided as the Recovery Community scales up operations.

About Enoch Cree Nation

Enoch Cree Nation (maskekosihk) is a Treaty 6 First Nation located adjacent to the City of Edmonton.

SOURCE Enoch Cree Nation