Natoaganeg spirit lodge offers mental health support rooted in culture – CBC

Apr 23, 2021

Intergenerational project aims to tackle stigma around treatment for Indigenous men

When Roger Augustine looks out along the Miramichi River, he knows the place where eagles often circle overhead is the perfect spot for healing in his community.

The regional chief had long dreamed of a centre to support men and boys in Eel Ground First Nation who face mental health challenges. Then came the opportunity to buy a dedicated property and make it a reality.

“It’s all about making our community strong,” he said.

The Gitpo Spirit Lodge recently opened up in a former two-storey house on the banks of the river. In a more secluded area in the Mi’kmaq community of about 650 people, it’s an intergenerational centre aimed at taking a culture-focused approach to men’s wellness.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/natoaganeg-spirit-lodge-mental-health-1.5998654

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