PINEHOUSE — An addictions treatment centre near Pinehouse has been named Sītoskātotān Lodge after a respected community elder.
The Muskwa Lake Wellness Camp is marking completion of new addictions treatment spaces and the dedication of a new main lodge.
With winterization and construction complete on the cabins, the camp near Pinehouse has 15 permanent inpatient addictions treatment spaces, up from 12 temporary spaces.
Muskwa Lake also announced that its soon-to-be built new main lodge will be named Sītoskātotān Lodge (pronounced see-to-ska-to-than), meaning "support each other." The new lodge is dedicated to the late Leonard McCallum, a visionary who pioneered the land-based community healing camp.
Muskwa Lake Wellness Camp is operated by Kineepik Métis Local No. 9 and has been in operation for over 37 years. The camp is a grassroots, community-directed program that provides land-based health intervention.
"The name Sītoskātotān, meaning 'supporting each other' in Cree, captures the spirit of the initiative that Leonard so passionately championed," Kineepik Métis Local No. 9 Health and Wellness Manager Kimberly Smith said.
"Leonard McCallum was a man of deep conviction who, despite his personal struggles with alcoholism, held a steadfast belief in the power of community and the importance of healing through connection with the land and each other. The Sītoskātotān Lodge stands as a testament to his vision and his unwavering commitment to our community."
The new main lodge will have improved spaces for group and individual counselling, as well as industrial kitchen and laundry spaces. It will provide a safe space where individuals can reconnect with the land, participate in traditional healing practices and find strength in the support of others.
The operational funding agreement for the camp is between Muskwa Lake and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The camp will be able to service 120 patients a year.
