Thunder Bay launched a new initiative on Friday with the unveiling of Mino Ginawenjigewin, which translates to “the act of caring for people” in Ojibwe. The rebranded St. Joseph’s Care Group facility at 500 Oliver Road now consolidates various addiction services in one location. Designed to be a culturally respectful and trauma-informed space, the center offers care without judgment or barriers, featuring areas for ceremonies, traditional healing, and cultural engagement.
Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland expressed enthusiasm about the long-anticipated project, highlighting its significance in addressing the community’s mental health and addiction challenges. In a bid to enhance addiction services, the Ontario government allocated $2.9 million to St. Joseph’s Care Group last year. This investment facilitated the establishment of 15 safe sobering beds and 25 withdrawal management beds, catering to individuals recovering from substance abuse.
The center’s inception was partly influenced by a 2022 coroner’s inquest that examined the deaths of Donald Mamakwa and Roland McKay, two Indigenous men who passed away in police custody due to inadequate care. The inquest recommended the establishment of sobering or detox centers to provide safer alternatives for intoxicated individuals. Nicole Spivak, director of addiction services at St. Joseph’s Care Group, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the inquest’s findings while celebrating the center’s opening.
Emphasizing a culturally rooted approach, the center’s traditional healing program, initiated in 2019 and fully integrated in 2020, offers clients access to cultural practitioners and traditional healing practices. Through engagement with elders, participation in ceremonies, and discharge planning assistance, individuals are supported in their recovery journey and community reintegration.
The center’s holistic programs aim to combat Thunder Bay’s high opioid-related mortality rate by providing comprehensive support and information to individuals seeking recovery. By offering culturally safe services and reducing stigma associated with institutional care, the center hopes to empower individuals to make informed choices for their well-being.