Our approach
Healing that honours who you are
At Benbowopka, culture is not an add-on; it is the foundation. Our culturally based program helps people heal from substance use and past trauma through reconnection with Anishinaabek culture and spiritual practices, within a harm reduction approach.
Culturally based healing
Healing grounded in Anishinaabek spiritual and traditional beliefs. Reconnecting with culture, ceremony, and community is at the heart of the program.
Harm reduction
Benbowopka moved from an abstinence-based program to a harm reduction model, meeting you where you are, and treating substance use and past trauma together.
Benbowopka offers a continuum of addiction services for the North Shore Tribal Council First Nations.
Seven Grandfather Teachings
The values that guide our work
These teachings shape how we walk with you each day. Shared here with respect, as foundational values. (Cultural content is shown as a respectful placeholder, pending review and guidance from Elders and the community.)
Wisdom
Nbwaakaawin
To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom.
Love
Zaagidwin
To know love is to know peace.
Respect
Mnaadendmowin
To honour all of creation is to have respect.
Bravery
Aakwa’ode’ewin
To face life with courage is bravery.
Honesty
Gwekwaadziwin
To walk through life with integrity is honesty.
Humility
Dbaadendiziwin
To know yourself as a sacred part of creation is humility.
Truth
Debwewin
To know all of these things is to know truth.
What to expect
A residential stay, day-to-day
A residential program in intake cycles
Treatment runs in scheduled six-week intake cycles. Your intake worker will confirm the dates for your intake.
Staying connected to home
You are allowed a 20-minute supervised personal phone time on Sundays. Mail goes out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Family is welcome at the New Beginnings Ceremony at the end of the program.
A focused, distraction-free stay
Cell phones, tablets, and laptops stay home so you can focus on healing. Family photos, craft supplies, sketch pads, and musical instruments are welcome for self-care time.