Rehab centre planned for Ft. McMurray

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Drug and alcohol abuse has been a longstanding problem here.

"We've had problems over the years with drug and alcohol abuse," says Robert Cree, chief of northern Alberta's Ft. McMurray Band.

"To help curb the problem we initiated (about 4 years ago) a plan that would see construction of a new regional rehabilitation centre."

The new centre will be open to anyone, but the primary clientele is the five northern bands, McMurray, Janvier, McKay, and the Cree and Chip at Fort Chipewyan.

"This project is a joint venture," adds Cree, pointing out that the centre will "probably be located at Gregoire Lake" to provide balanced access for the northern communities.

"The final decision on the exact location of the centre is uncertain right now but it's only a matter of uniting the five chiefs to form a final plan for location and services," he says.

Researchers and consultants have combed the communities over the past months for input and ideas.

"We are fortunate," says Cree, "to have had the expert services of private consultant Mark Amy."

Amy, a Canadian based U.S. citizen, spent about six months organizing the field trips in a public awareness/input program.

Cree says Amy's firm had "experts . . . extremely efficient and knowledgeable about Native life, cultures and the varied programs that could be offered through the new facility."

The study, completed March 30, has been acclaimed by government officials, according to Marvin MacDonald, Janvier Band administrator.

"Jake epp (National Health and Welfare minister) was thrilled with the final analysis of the study," he says.

"This is one of the most unique programs of its kind in the country in that it lends itself to the community, where the cultural and traditional values and pursuits are captured and taught to the programs participants."

Chief Cree says the federal government will provide money through its medical services and it is "only a matter of finalizing a location for the centre."

Janvier chief Walter Janvier says "the proposed centre will be a great benefit and will hopefully curb the (alcohol/drug) problems in the area."

He figures problems in the area have increased "considerably since the new highway (secondary 881) was built last year."

According to Janvier, the highway has caused and is causing a lot of headaches.

"Since the road opened we have experienced many tragedies. Family separations, kids being left along while parents are out playing bingo, etcetera, and increased traffic that has allowed more and more drugs to filter into the community are all parts of this tragedy.

"Once we were a very close group of people, but I don't know if that closeness will be shared among our people again. I can only pray that the new facility will help the community."

He says the timing for the facility is "because the dramatic change in lifestyle among our people has affected us."

"Perhaps we shall come together again ? but only if we realize the problem exists and become more aware of what the 'road' really brings to our community," he says.

Janvier hopes the new proposed facility can provide some answers to "very complex" problems.

"I hope," adds the chief, "that this can be the beginning of a positive and full recovery for our communities."