Wellness centre a priority for re-elected chief

The main thing she wants to get accomplished is building a wellness treatment center “to address some of the many social issues that we have within our communities,” she said

“A place where people can feel safe and seek help for themselves.”

It is the one area that is lacking within her community, Cook-Searson said. They have a detox centre in La Ronge, but nothing like this.

“I know we won’t be able to address all of the issues, but at least give a safe place for people to go to.”

The goal is to have it serve all six surrounding communities that are part of the band, as well as the northern communities they work with.

She said she already has support of Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Prince Albert Grand Council and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. She has also spoken the provincial government about the initiative.

“We have political support for it and now we just have to take it out and hope to make it a reality within the next few years.”

It is her main goal because areas like education, economic development, health services and Indian child and family services are already thriving for the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, she said.

“There is a lot of great work that is being done, but we know there is still a lot of challenges ahead of us, but also exciting opportunities,” she said.

klavoie@panow.com

by Kellah Lavoie

Wellness centre a priority for re-elected chief

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