Moving forward with Indigenous-led treatment and recovery, substance-use services in Terrace

Press Release

March 27, 2026

TERRACE –

Summary

• Government is working in partnership with the Northern First Nations Alliance (NFNA), First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and Northern Health to build a culturally grounded substance-use system of care in B.C.’s northwest
• As part of B.C.’s Road to Recovery model, a building has been purchased to house a new community withdrawal-management site at 4837 Keith Ave. in Terrace, with planning for the facility underway
• The centre will be part of the Road to Recovery model, which establishes a seamless continuum of care for addictions, from detox to treatment and after-care
• In partnership with the Province, Northern First Nations Alliance is also adding 12 new treatment beds, 10 new supportive-recovery beds and a new community resource and after-care hub in Terrace

People in Terrace and across northwestern B.C. will soon have better access to culturally safe, community-based withdrawal-management services, as Northern Health has purchased a site to house new withdrawal-management beds in Terrace.

“We’ve heard clearly from people in the northwest that having access to treatment and recovery services close to home — including withdrawal management — is a top priority,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By partnering with Indigenous leaders, Northern Health and community organizations, we’re building a system of care that reflects the region’s needs and values. These new services will help people access support in ways that are culturally safe, respectful and rooted in community.”

About the site

• The building at 4837 Keith Ave. in Terrace has 1,288 square metres of space.
• The site will require renovations before it can operate as a withdrawal-management facility.
• Renovation timelines are not yet known and will be determined after Northern Health completes a full assessment and planning process.

Partnering with NFNA on new Indigenous-led services

In addition to the new withdrawal-management site, more treatment and recovery services are coming to the region through the Province’s Indigenous Treatment and Recovery Program. The NFNA, in partnership with the Province, Northern Health and the First Nations Health Authority, is implementing several new services that strengthen the continuum of care:

• 12 land-based treatment beds at Red Road North to serve community members
• 10 supportive-recovery beds at the Braun building in Terrace, slated to open later this spring

These services complement the planned withdrawal-management facility in Terrace and support a comprehensive, culturally rooted substance-use care model in the northwest.

”Northern First Nations Alliance has consistently called for meaningful change in how substance-use services are delivered in the northwest,” said Brenna Johnson-Innes, chair of the NFNA board and Deputy Chief of Gitxaala Nation. “With Red Road North, the recovery beds at the Braun building and now a new withdrawal-management site in Terrace, we are seeing that vision take shape. These are tangible steps grounded in our Nations, our cultures and our responsibility to care for our people. This work is about strengthening families today and creating healthier pathways for future generations.”

Road to Recovery in the northwest

The Province is working in partnership with the NFNA, First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), and Northern Health to build a culturally grounded substance-use system of care in the northwest. This includes both work through B.C.’s Road to Recovery model of care and supporting new Indigenous-led services.

Working together, the partners are adding new services across the continuum of care, including:

• NFNA-led outreach services
• Indigenous-led treatment and recovery beds
• outpatient withdrawal-management teams
• enhanced transportation supports
• the new withdrawal-management facility, led by Northern Health.

Building a substance-use system of care

This is part of government’s work to expand access and build a full and seamless continuum of mental-health and substance-use care so people can get the help they need, when and where they need it. This includes 3,785 treatment and recovery beds, of which 829 are new since 2017, launching the Opioid Treatment Access Line, opening Foundry youth centres and First Nations healing facilities.

Learn More:

• For more information on Road to Recovery, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024MMHA0038-001175
• For more information about mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C., visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:
Ministry of Health
Media Relations
250-952-1887

BACKGROUNDER

What people are saying about the new withdrawal-management facility in Terrace

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions –

“As we build up the substance-use system of care in the northwest, it’s essential that services honour Indigenous leadership, cultural knowledge and community expertise. The progress underway in Terrace reflects that shared commitment. These upcoming withdrawal-management services will make it easier for people to get support in a setting that respects their culture, identity and healing journey.”

Sean Bujtas, mayor of Terrace –

“Today’s announcement is an important step forward for Terrace and the northwest. Our community has long called for better access to withdrawal management and culturally grounded care, and I’m grateful to see this commitment moving ahead. Jennifer Whiteside, former Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, pledged support at UBCM in 2024, and despite challenges along the way, Minister Osborne is delivering. This work will make a real difference for families and support people close to home.”

Colleen V. Nyce, board chair, Northern Health –

“Northern Health shares the commitment of, and values the partnerships with, the Northern First Nations Alliance, First Nations Health Authority and the Province in building out a substance-use system of care that is culturally safe and community-focused. Working together, we can make significant achievements in supporting northwestern B.C. residents and communities across a spectrum of treatment and recovery care.”

Scott Tremblett, CEO and founder, Red Road Recovery –

“As someone who nearly lost everything to addiction, I know that when you’re ready to ask for help, it needs to be there. For too long, people in the northwest, especially Indigenous communities hit hardest by the toxic drug crisis, have had nowhere to turn. The North needs more services, and Red Road North, a partnership between Red Road Recovery and the Northern First Nations Alliance, proves culturally grounded, community-driven healing is possible.”

Jorden Squires, NFNA board treasurer, and council member for Kitselas First Nation –

“This space represents more than a building; it represents compassion, dignity, and a commitment to walking alongside our people on their healing journey. For too long, our communities have faced barriers when seeking support, often having to leave their families, land and support systems to access care. Today, we take an important step toward bringing that care closer to home.”

Contact:
Ministry of Health
Media Relations
250-952-1887

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