Who we are

Mission statement

Benbowopka Treatment Centre is dedicated to healing and recovery for Indigenous relatives affected by trauma and dealing with substance use and related challenges. Grounded in culturally safe teachings and land-based practices, our team provides a respectful and trauma-informed environment where relatives can begin their journey to wellness. Through wholistic care that integrates spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical wellness, we empower clients to reclaim balance, strengthen identity, and build sustainable pathways toward wellness through cultural and community connection.

Background

Benbowopka Treatment Centre is the an Anishinaabe-led and operated residential addictions treatment facility, located in Blind River, Ontario. Established in 2003 and growing out of the earlier Anishnabie Naadmaagi Gamig initiative, the centre is guided by Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services and the North Shore Tribal Council. It serves Indigenous communities across the North Shore, prioritizing Indigenous people.

The facility offers a structured, 24-hour residential treatment program with 16 beds for adults seeking support from trauma and dealing with substance use challenges, including alcohol, prescription drugs, and other substances. Programming incorporates living mino bimaadiziwin and is guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings of Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth. Our team strives to empower relatives to reconnect with their inner healer. Through culturally grounded support and self-discovery, we encourage each relative to start, strengthen, and sustain their substance-free wellness journey. Our team walks alongside relatives on their wellness journeys, helping them cultivate balance, resilience, and holistic well-being in mind, body, spirit, and community.

The unique feature of Benbowopka Treatment Centre is its integration of Anishinaabe cultural teachings, ceremonies, and land-based practices into the recovery process. The program is trauma-informed and emphasizes holistic healing, addressing the underlying impacts of trauma that have caused the addiction and displacement, and focusing on the intergenerational effects of colonization.

Services include intake assessment, residential stabilization, group and individual counselling, cultural programming, and aftercare planning. The centre provides 24-hour support and accepts referrals from across the North Shore and surrounding regions, with priority given to First Nations relatives.

Benbowopka plays an important role in the regional continuum of Indigenous-led health services, offering culturally safe care designed to support long-term recovery and connection and integration back to community.