Press Release
New funding will expand the Blood Tribe safe withdrawal site and give local police the tools they need to keep Indigenous Albertans safe.
The Alberta government is providing up to $2.2 million per year to expand the Kottakinoona Awaahkapiiyaawa (Bringing the Spirit Home) safe withdrawal management site from six beds to 24. This means that over the next three years, 3,753 additional Indigenous Albertans will receive addiction services.
“Our government is proud to provide funding to help this innovative facility support Albertans in the fight against addiction. By creating more spaces, we give more people the opportunity to get on the path to health, wellness and long-term recovery. This is part of our promise to create a fully funded continuum of care for addiction treatment and recovery.”
Jason Luan, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
“Bringing the Spirit Home is run by our community and designed for our community. This increased funding will first and foremost allow us to save lives and help more people in our community struggling with drug addiction. This funding is an important step to help address addiction and support recovery for those who need it most.”
Kevin Cowan, CEO, Kottakinoona Awaahkapiiyaawa (Bringing the Spirit Home)
The provincial government is also investing $13.6 million this year for the Blood Tribe Police Service and other Indigenous policing initiatives.
Provincial funding for Blood Tribe police is increasing by $480,000, which will go toward hiring five additional officers.
“Along with providing more access to treatment, we believe in a balanced approach to drug addiction that includes ensuring police have the ability to target criminals who prey on vulnerable Albertans by selling illicit drugs. This additional funding will allow Blood Tribe police to create five new positions and put those officers where they’re needed most.”
Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General
“The Blood Tribe Police Service has been anticipating these five new positions since they were identified by the Blood Tribe, Public Safety Canada and the Province of Alberta in July 2019. These much-needed positions will certainly add to the safety and security of the Blood Tribe. We look forward to the signatories of the tripartite agreement continuing to work together on a long-term funding arrangement.”
Kyle Melting Tallow, chief of police, Blood Tribe Police Service
“This is excellent news for Kainai First Nation and all of southern Alberta. For years, we have called for more addiction treatment services and supports in our communities. I’m proud that our government has listened and is investing in services that will save lives and help more Albertans on the road to recovery.”
Joseph Schow, MLA for Cardston-Siksika
“Our government has heard loud and clear the requests from First Nations and Métis leaders for additional treatment spaces and supports for their communities. Today’s announcement is another step towards improving treatment services and addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.”
Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
Quick facts: Funding for Bringing the Spirit Home
Quick facts: Funding for Blood Tribe Police Service
Related information
Media inquiries
Kassandra Kitz
587-643-4676
Press Secretary, Mental Health and Addictions
Jonah Mozeson
587-985-6077
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