Kapawe'no operates addictions treatment centre

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History was made March 7 as the Kapawe'no First Nation in Grouard became the first First Nation in Alberta to operate a First Nations drug and alcohol treatment centre. The agreement, signed by representatives from the federal government's Medical Services Branch in Edmonton, the Kapown Centre and the Kapawe'no First Nations in front of about 50 band members in the Kapawe'no hall, gives the band control over the Kapown Rehabilitation Centre, a 30-bed residential centre for those suffering from drug and alcohol addictions.

The five-year agreement means the Kapown Centre will no longer have to fight year-to-year for money.

"It will give more freedom in implementing treatment programs because it will be under the auspices of the chief and council," said Barry Nisbet, executive director of Kapown. "It will give more flexibility to program for the Kapown Centre staff. It's something we've been fighting for years and years."

With a five-year commitment, and the possibility to renew every five years thereafter, Nisbet can make long-term plans for expanding programs such as their program to work for cultural wilderness.

They also no longer need to return any money remaining at the end of a year to the government. If they are frugal one year and save, the centre can put that money into extra programs for the next year.

Ruth Jongerius, director of community-based planning and development with Medical Services, was instrumental in arranging the transfer of ownership. She was one of several representatives from Medical Services on hand for the signing ceremony.

She said that the agreement is a recognition of how well-known and respected the Kapown Centre is across Canada and in North America, and how well it has been run since its inception in 1983. It shows trust that the Kapawe'no First Nation is committed to maintaining the high quality of the centre.

"They should be very proud," she said.

There are six treatment centres on First Nation in Alberta. Although Kapawe'no is the first to have ownership transferred to the band, others have their applications in the works, said Don Leduc, acting zone director for Treaty Eight medical services branch.

Chief Frank Halcrow, who is also chairman of the Kapown Centre board of directors, said the agreement has been a long time coming.

"This was not a very easy achievement," Halcrow said. "It took many hard years and lots of negotiations to reach this signing here today. I think it's a great achievement for Barry and his staff and a greater achievement for the clients who have come through the centre. I must emphasize without the staff and the clientele we wouldn't be here today," he said.

The Kapown Centre has 18 full-time and six part-time staff who work with clients from all over Canada over a six-week treatment period. While it serves mainly Aboriginal clients, the centre often takes non-Aboriginal clients as well. It is recognized as one of the foremost treatment centres of its kind in Canada, said Halcrow.

He praised the working partnership the band, the government and the Kapown Centre have always had.

"We've reached a goal. We've built and laid the cornerstone for other centres to achieve this same goal. It is a great historic moment," Halcrow said.