We have members nationwide that work, or have served, in the armed forces, corrections, policing, and social work, etc. Customarily, a man is seen as a strong role model and it is frowned upon to seek assistance for illnesses/issues that have developed over prolonged exposure to violence, death, divorce, prejudice or even having to enforce laws and policy against your own people. As a result, men have turned to drugs and alcohol as a vice to cope with the stressors. Treatment centres have been developed over the years but are limited to addressing the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol. Gitpo Spirit Lodge will strive to help the individual regain pride in his language and culture and see how it is the foundation from which we gather our strength, first as an individual and as a First Nations member.

The program will address the needs of First Nations men in our territories who are dealing with issues varying from personal family matters (relationships, finances, etc.) to mental health issues (post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, etc.).

The aim is to focus on the need of the individual and develop a custom program to assist them in becoming productive members of their First Nations and families. Regardless of which program they participate in, culture and language are a main priority. “Boys to Men” will be exposed daily to sweat lodge ceremonies, smudging, drumming and language under the guidance of an Elder. It is based on these principles that this concept gained the full support of the AFN Chiefs-in-Assembly at an Assembly in Gatineau, Quebec in 2018.

Understanding, of course, that women are the backbone of our First Nations and families, many of their issues stem from unresolved and unaddressed matters amongst the male population. The rates of suicide and substance abuse among our youth (18-35) are staggering and need to be addressed before our youth are forced into the judicial system and removed from their families and First Nations, many never to return. We have assembled a team of professionals in the fields of psychology, mental health, law enforcement, sports and nutrition, life skills, and language and culture. Through the unmeasurable combined experience of this team, we will be able to address these issues and prevent our youth from ever experiencing the trauma of a system unprepared to effectively deal with our people.

Subsequently, through these wellness facilities we will see our youth gain the skills and confidence to return to the work force or school and to be looked at as role models by their children and families while passing on their newly revived respect for their language and culture.