By Michael, Wellness Counsellor | Posted by Jean Bell, Communications Manager.

As our new facility nears completion, a new sign will soon adorn the building with our updated name: ‘Na̱mg̱is Wellness Centre.

This change has sparked the question: Why the name change? Let us explain the transformation behind our Vision, Mission, and Philosophical Statement.

The original name, Treatment Centre, was rooted in the medical model of addiction recovery, which emphasizes abstinence from alcohol and drugs. This model aligns with Twelve Step programs, and it continues to be a core goal of our programming.

However, through our work, we’ve come to recognize that alcohol and drug use is often just a symptom—not the root cause. The deeper causes are usually trauma, neglect, and abuse—mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional.

In First Nations communities, these wounds run especially deep due to the lasting impacts of colonial policies. Intergenerational trauma, the loss of our traditional parenting and family structures through Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop, and the breakdown of community cohesion have all left profound scars.

Our forebears—our grandparents, great-grandparents—did the best they could with what they had, returning from Residential Schools without the teachings and supports they needed. As a result, many generations have had to learn parenting, nurturing, and healing without a foundation. It’s been an uphill journey. But we are still here. That is a testament to the resilience of our Nations.

The dedicated team at the ‘Na̱mg̱is Wellness Centre, committed to walking with our community on the healing journey.

Pain, fear, shame, grief, blame, and a deep sense of disconnection are what fuel the coping mechanisms of alcohol and drug abuse. These substances become an escape. A way to cope.

It is the belief of the Wellness community that this is where the true work must begin. Just as trauma builds up layer upon layer over generations, healing must happen layer by layer, with patience and care. When we begin to peel back these layers, we uncover the authentic, true, and pristine spirit that lies within all of us.

As healing takes root—and pain, shame, grief, and fear begin to lift—the need for substances begins to fade. What replaces it is wellness—and glimmers of the strength and wisdom of our ancestors.

G̱ilakas’la from ‘Na̱mg̱is Wellness Centre staff.