Study finds strong support for Tłı̨chǫ treatment centre

Study finds strong support for Tłı̨chǫ treatment centre Emily Blake Tuesday September 22, 2026 at 5:59am MT A billboard along the road to Behchokǫ̀ states "Drug dealers: your way of life is our way of suffering." Emily Blake/Cabin Radio Share A new report says there is strong support for developing an Indigenous addictions treatment centre in the Tłı̨chǫ region. The Tłı̨chǫ Government recently released the report, which outlines findings from public engagement conducted as part of a treatment feasibility study. “The findings confirm strong and consistent support for a Tłı̨chǫ-led treatment centre that is culturally grounded, trauma-informed, family-centred, and connected to a full continuum of care before, during and after treatment,” the report states. The report is based on engagement sessions held in Tłı̨chǫ communities and Yellowknife earlier this year attended by a total of 136 people. It also includes the results of engagement with 70 stakeholders and online surveys completed by 199 adults and 63 youth. According to the report, most participants said they want a treatment centre with a hybrid model that includes inpatient and outpatient treatment, community-based supports, land-based and culture-based healing, detox or withdrawal support, family programming and aftercare. Advertisement. Advertisement. Participants suggested starting small, such as 30 to 90-day treatment options and flexible timelines based on each case. They said the centre should focus on Tłıchǫ citizens while remaining open to others as capacity allows. Engagement participants said addiction is rooted in trauma, grief, intergenerational impacts, family disruption, loss of language and culture, housing insecurity, poverty, limited local supports and easy access to alcohol and drugs. They said treatment must address a whole person, their family and community, and be rooted in Tłı̨chǫ language, culture and values. Existing gaps in service The report highlights current challenges and gaps in service. They include: Advertisement. Advertisement. requiring Tłı̨chǫ residents to leave their communities to access treatment; language barriers; a lack of childcare and family supports; excessive paperwork; housing shortages; a lack of aftercare and wraparound services; and a limited number of Indigenous counsellors. The report says 70 percent of adult survey respondents found accessing help confusing and 33 percent of youth respondents found it difficult to get help. Most…