Where the journey began
Blind River, Ontario · Since 1990
For over three decades, Benbowopka Treatment Centre has welcomed relatives home to heal. Grounded in Anishnawbek culture, and walk at your own pace.
You are welcome here.
Healing happens at your pace, in a place that honours who you are. We walk alongside people healing from substance use and past trauma, grounded in Anishnawbek culture, spirituality, and traditional practices.
There’s no wrong way to reach out. Call when you’re ready, or read on first, whatever feels safe today.
Our approach
Culturally based healing, grounded in harm reduction
Benbowopka is a culturally based residential treatment centre, helping people heal from substance use and past trauma by reconnecting with Anishnawbek culture and spiritual practices.
Culturally based
Healing grounded in Anishnawbek spiritual and traditional beliefs, reconnecting you with culture and community.
Our cultural foundationTrauma treatment
Treatment for substance use and past trauma together, at your pace, never pressure, never shame.
Healing past traumaHarm reduction
We meet you where you are. Every step toward wellness counts, and you decide what that looks like.
Meeting you where you areBegin your healing journey
Starting is simple, and you stay in control
Reach out
Call us at 705-356-1681, or send a short message. You can reach out yourself, or a community professional or helper can reach out with you.
Complete a referral package
A community professional or someone you trust can help you complete the referral package and send it to us. Intake assessments are completed in person, not over the phone.
An intake worker follows up
Once your referral package is in, an intake worker will contact you about next steps and your intake date.
Who we walk with
A place for our people
Benbowopka is a residential addictions treatment centre in Blind River, Ontario, operating since 1990 and providing a continuum of addiction services for the seven North Shore First Nations.
Established in 1990 as Anishnabie Naadmaagi Gamig Substance Abuse Treatment Centre, Benbowopka has grown into a harm reduction centre helping people heal from substance use and past trauma.
The communities we walk with
Part of the North Shore family
Benbowopka is here with a priority to the seven North Shore Tribal Council First Nations. All are welcome.
Atikameksheng Anishinabek North Shore First Nation 
Batchewana First Nation North Shore First Nation 
Garden River First Nation North Shore First Nation 
Mississauga First Nation North Shore First Nation 
Sagamok Anishinaabek North Shore First Nation 
Serpent River First Nation North Shore First Nation 
Thessalon First Nation North Shore First Nation 
Indigenous Friendship Centre in Sault Ste. Marie Community Partner