Recovery community taking shape on Enoch Nation

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by ahnationtalk on September 19, 20253 Views

Sep 19, 2025

Construction of the Maskêkosihk Recovery Community on Enoch Cree Nation is now about halfway complete, with addiction treatment expected to begin in 2026.

The Maskêkosihk Recovery Community is being built in partnership with Enoch Cree Nation and is now well into the construction phase. With a provincial capital investment of $35 million, the 75-bed facility is located at the Enoch Cree Nation, on the western city limits of Edmonton, and is expected to begin accepting clients in 2026. Once operational, the recovery community will have the capacity to provide holistic addiction treatment for up to 300 people every year.

“Alberta’s government and Enoch Cree Nation are working together to increase access to care that is close to home and connected to culture and community. These recovery communities will support healthier and more resilient communities across the province.”

Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

Alberta’s government is committed to providing anyone suffering from the disease of addiction the opportunity to pursue recovery. As part of the Alberta Recovery Model, Alberta’s government is building 11 recovery communities throughout the province. Five of these are in direct partnership with Indigenous communities.

“The Maskêkosihk Recovery Community is a powerful step forward in supporting people living in Alberta on their healing journeys. By integrating Indigenous cultures and traditions into care, this centre will offer a safe, welcoming space where individuals can rebuild their lives, reconnect with community and reclaim wellness—at no cost to them or their families.”

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations

Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately impacted by the addiction crisis, and partnerships between Alberta’s government and Indigenous communities are vital to providing access to comprehensive, culturally appropriate services and strengthening recovery-oriented systems of care. The Maskêkosihk Recovery Community will provide comprehensive services that embody the Nation’s cultures, ceremony, identity, family and community connections.

“Maskêkosihk means ‘People of the land of medicine,’ and this recovery community will be a place of true healing for our people and all Albertans. By grounding recovery in culture, ceremony and community, we are building a future where families can be made whole again and our spirits are restored.”

Chief Cody Thomas, Enoch Cree Nation

In addition to Enoch Cree Nation, Alberta’s government is building Indigenous-led recovery communities in partnership with Siksika Nation, Blood Tribe, Tsuut’ina Nation and the Métis Nation of Alberta. The total investment to develop these Indigenous-led recovery communities is about $180 million.

“The Maskêkosihk Recovery Community will have a lasting impact on Enoch Cree Nation and the surrounding areas. This facility is a step forward in building healthier, safer communities for Albertans.”

Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport, MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon

Recovery communities offer live-in treatment at no cost to the clients or their families. Individuals can stay for up to one year as they address their substance use and build holistic wellness, develop healthy habits and social skills, and receive employment training and other supports necessary for long-term recovery. Supports are tailored to the individual and include cultural integration to help an individual heal and reconnect with their community.

Quick facts

Individuals experiencing mental health or addiction challenges can call or text 211 Alberta for information on services and supports in their community.
Individuals struggling with opioid addiction can contact the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) by calling 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to midnight. VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no waitlist.
Individuals experiencing non-opioid substance and behavioural addiction concerns can contact the Virtual Rapid Access Addiction Medicine program at 1-844-383-7688 for rapid, low-barrier access to treatment.

Related information

Recovery community taking shape on Enoch Nation

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