KL Addressing Toxic Drug Crisis with New Treatment Facility for Indigenous Youth
It is now widely recognized that Indigenous populations in Canada have been, and continue to be, negatively impacted by the effects of colonization. The effect of intergenerational trauma in our communities has been devastating and wide-reaching, with higher rates of substance use, addictions and suicide among our youth.
Kw’umut Lelum has noted the lack of mental health support and addiction services that meet the unique cultural and social needs of our youth and families – particularly residential treatment programs for youth that are in crisis or require detox. Vancouver Island has limited youth detox beds and fewer than 20 supportive recovery beds, and there are no culturally safe spaces or healing for Indigenous youth. We know that many recovery programs are failing our youth because they are often far from their homes and communities, they feel culturally unsafe or the cultural approach is not relevant.
Kw’umut Lelum has a vision to support Indigenous youth in their recovery by promoting health and wellness, while addressing trauma and building resiliency grounded in the strength of their culture. We are preparing to open an Indigenous Youth Wellness Centre in Snaw-Naw-As (Nanoose). The center will provide Indigenous-led holistic care for youth who are experiencing substance misuse, mental health crisis, and the effects of intergenerational trauma.
“Our young ones who are struggling with addictions don’t have many options. We have an opportunity to help them heal, close to home, and surrounded by the strength of their culture.”
Both residential treatment and withdrawal management programs will be strengths-based and grounded in trauma-informed care, with Indigenous ways of knowing and being woven throughout to ensure youth feel culturally safe. Cultural teachings and ceremonies such as talking circles, smudging, cedar brushing, and river baths will enhance connection to the land, self, spirit, and their communities.
“We believe our work will create lifelong healing for our youth and our families and will see change that can ripple out for generations. We believe we must create programs and services that are a part of our new healing legacy. We look forward to continuing conversations with all levels of government as we seek funding and support for this key initiative.”
Renovations are underway at the old Tsow-Tun Le Lum Centre overlooking Nanoose Bay to transform it into a welcoming space with 20 beds available for youth ages 12 to 18.