New addiction recovery community on Enoch Cree Nation set to open in 2026

Just west of Edmonton, construction is halfway done on a new recovery wellness community here in Enoch Cree Nation.

The Maskêkosihk Recovery Community, meaning the people of the land of medicine in Cree, once opened, will have 75 beds, with the goal of treating up to 300 people every year.

“Honestly, it’s very historical, very proud to say that we have a tool that we can utilize to bring healing to our people and other non-Indigenous as well … it gives us hope for future generations to find that healing and go away from these man-made drugs that were never our way,” said Chief Cody Thomas, of Enoch Cree Nation.

The site will take patients locally from Enoch, as well as others seeking addiction treatments.

“It was a model that was consistent with indigenous values, consistent with our beliefs and community and connection, and so we went about building an end-to-end continuum of indigenous addictions in mental health that was rooted in a foundation of connection,” said Randal Bell, the executive director of Stone Bear Recovery Solutions.

This site comes with a taxpayer cost of $35 million and is one of eleven recovery communities planned province-wide, with five of those in partnership with Indigenous communities.

“We’re putting our money where our mouth is because these are not cheap projects to do, and then it’s not just building. We have to operate them, so we’re putting a substantial investment into this,” said Rick Wilson, Alberta Minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

“These recovery communities will support healthier and more resilient communities across the province.”

The province adds that Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately impacted by the addiction crisis, so the new centres will provide access to comprehensive, culturally appropriate services and strengthen recovery-oriented systems of care.

“By integrating Indigenous cultures and traditions into care, this centre will offer a safe, welcoming space where individuals can rebuild their lives, reconnect with community and reclaim wellness—at no cost to them or their families,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations.

Construction on the site is expected to wrap up at the end of this year, with the first clients in early 2026.