The Wanaki Center is a treatment facility for all First Nations and Inuit adults seeking to heal from alcohol and substance addiction. The center is located in the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community next to the town of Maniwaki, Quebec (Outaouais Region).

The center first opened its doors in 1991 with the mission to provide programming for substance abuse and to promote the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being of the clients. The wellness services are provided over a 4 week period in French and English on a rotational basis.

The Center is governed by an independent Board of Directors consisting of one appointed member from each of the nine Algonquin First Nation communities of Western Quebec.

About

US

Over the years, Wanaki has continuously strived to be recognized as one of the leading treatment centers in the region of Quebec and Canada. From 1991 to 1997 we managed our center under an annual contribution agreement with the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada’s National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP).

Since 1997, we entered into a new agreement process with Health Canada giving our center the full responsibility of our treatment program services and the financial flexibility to administer and manage its operations.

Vision

« To Offer First Nations and Inuit a quality cultural healing journey. »

mission

« To contribute to each participant's successful transition to a healthier life, well being, and sustained recovery »

We will fulfil our Mission by:

Providing a quality bilingual, residential treatment program and support services to First Nation adults who are motivated to address their issues of alcohol and substance addiction. We work with adults from Algonquin, other First Nations and Inuit from across Canada.

Working in partnership with communities and those committed individuals to achieve the person's physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and social well-being.

In exceptional cases, we accept youth who are at least seventeen (17) years of age and who have the express written consent of their parent or legal guardian.

Philosophy

vision

We believe that individuals can begin a wellness journey by demonstrating a willingness to initiate sobriety and a strong commitment to a healthy new lifestyle.

Program Goal: To assist in achieving a healthy, new life, free from all dependence to alcohol and substances.

feelings

We believe it is necessary to help ourselves and others grow through our relationships.

Program Goal: To develop self-confidence, build upon strengths and foster a positive self-image.

thinking

We believe that enriching coping mechanisms and behaviours is necessary and requires a commitment.

Program Goal: Share information on alcohol and substance abuse and provide alternative coping mechanisms for life's challenges.

doing

We believe the reality of a good and healthy life is an ongoing journey to wellness.

Program Goal: To assist in the successful integration of the individual back into the community.

Board of Directors

The Wanaki Center is governed by a Board of Directors. The members are appointed by their respective Band Councils through a Band Council Resolution for a term of office determined by each Band Council.

Only the 9 Algonquin Communities of Western Quebec are allowed to appoint one member to the Board of Directors. At the present time, we have the 9 communities represented: