1st nations addiction centre opens in Qu'Appelle area.Leading Thunderbird thunderbird In North American Indian mythology, a powerful spirit in the form of a bird that watered the earth and made vegetation grow. Lightning was believed to flash from its eyes or beak, and the beating of its wings was thought to represent rolling thunder. Lodge is a First Nations youth addiction treatment centre located at Fort San, SK. Established by the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council and the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council, the treatment centre offers addiction and substance abuse programs to First Nations youth. Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch has provided $1.6 million for facility renovations and will provide about $1.5 million annually for operating costs. The Government of Saskatchewan has provided a one-time $800,000 grant to pay for facility upgrades. Leading Thunderbird Lodge is part of Health Canada's National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse program and the Youth Solvent Abuse solvent abuse Substance abuse The recreational inhalation of chemical solvents in model glue, paint thinner, 'white-out', nail polish remover, etc for psychotropic effects Epidemiology Adolescents–up to 15% have experimented with solvents, especially program, which supports a national system of treatment services for First Nations in Canada. Director of therapy Todd Sojonky said, "The therapeutic program is rooted in the First Nations model of the medicine wheel; a holistic approach holistic approach A term used in alternative health for a philosophical approach to health care, in which the entire Pt is evaluated and treated. See Alternative medicine, Holistic medicine. to health embracing the mental, spiritual, social and physical aspects of a person, and so each of these areas will be assessed and treated." A staff of 20 people, including a registered psychologist, social worker, and counsellors, work together with community elders and a traditional advisor to deliver programming under best practice guidelines practice guidelines Medical practice A set of recommendations for Pt management that identifies a specific or range of range of management strategies. See Peer review organization, Practice standards. Cf 'Cookbook' medicine. . Leading Thunderbird offers a school program delivered by qualified teachers and support staff, and tailored to the individual needs of clients. Clients receive 24-hour supervision by trained staff. It also has a fully equipped gymnasium and cardiovascular fitness cardiovascular fitness Fitness A benchmark of a subject's cardiovascular and respiratory 'reserve', assessed by exercise testing; improved CF ↓ risk of acute MI. See Aerobic exercise, Exercise, MET, Thallium stress test, Vigorous exercise. Cf Anaerobic exercise. area, a cultural centre, and outdoor area with a sweat lodge sweat lodge Hut or lodge used for ritual purification. Its use originated with Native Americans—for whom it remains a significant ceremony—but it is now common among other non-Indian groups who recognize its health as well as spiritual benefits. , tipi and a volleyball court. tsojonky.ltl@sasktel.ne |
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