Tour the Nelson House Medicine Lodge

Nelson House Medicine Lodge is a purpose-built facility, designed to offer a comforting and accommodating environment, in which to achieve a sober, healthy lifestyle.

The facility was designed by architect Don Courtnage, to reflect and accommodate ancestral indigenous practices and processes that span all seasons.

The Medicine Lodge is specially designed to integrate the unique features of the culture and traditions of aboriginal peoples.

Reflects Cultural and Historic Aspects

The building reflects the character of the community and significant cultural and historical aspects. Its scale and siting maximize its relationship to nature, providing comfort and tranquility to the clients it serves.

Specifically the importance of water has been accentuated by providing major vistas to the lake in the south, east and westerly directions. The overall planning maintains a strict adherence to the cardinal points, north, south, east and west, with entrances and corridor axis falling specifically along these lines.

Directional Values Highlighted

The central spiritual room and tower are at the intersection of these cardinal points, further enhancing the directional values of healing, renewed self-respect, reconciliation and rehabilitation. A tower spreads light from the center of the building, symbolizing the eye of the eagle. Its two wings spread from the center, symbolizing the eagle taking flight.

The wings house the unique 17-week 21-bed Residential Treatment Program, as well as the Pisimweyapiy Counselling Centre and NNADAP Prevention Program

Please take a pictorial tour

© Nelson House Medicine Lodge