A Safe Place on Your Healing Journey Begins Here

Healing and the Road to Wellness doesn’t happen the same way for everyone. At Nelson House Medicine Lodge, we create a safe, welcoming and supportive space where Relatives in Recovery can reconnect with themselves, their culture and their path forward at their own pace.
Our residential treatment program brings together cultural practices, personal reflection, wellness activities and contemporary approaches to recovery.

We believe healing cannot be forced. Instead of asking individuals to confront difficult experiences before they are ready, we create opportunities for reflection, connection and personal growth. Through workshops, activities, teachings, ceremony and conversation, each person is given the space to “open up” and work through their experiences in their own time and in their own way.

Nelson House Medicine Lodge women


Healing From Within

Recovery is about more than leaving addictions, alcohol or drugs behind. It is an opportunity to understand yourself different ways, reconnect with your strengths, build healthier relationships and discover the tools that can support you long after you leave the Medicine Lodge. Rest assured though, we are always here if you need us or have a step backward.

Some experiences may bring difficult emotions or memories to the surface. Our approach is to provide a safe, comfortable, flexible and supportive space where those experiences can be explored naturally, without pressure or forcing anyone to tell their story or make changes before they are ready.

Who We Serve

  • People with alcohol or drug dependency issues
  • NCN Citizens living in Nelson House and away
  • Other First Nations members in Manitoba and Canada
  • Non-aboriginal persons who might benefit from an indigenous approach to treatment
  • Both Men and Women

What You’ll Experience

Personal Growth & Reflection

Workshops and activities encourage Relatives to look within, recognize their strengths and begin creating the life they want for themselves.

Experiences may include:

  • Speaking from the Heart: Looking Within
  • Changing My Story
  • The Gift of Letting Go
  • Goal Setting & Vision Boards
  • The Art of Journaling
  • Self-Esteem
  • Storytelling
  • Overcoming Fear & Anxiety
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Magic of Grace

Wellness & Recovery

Relatives are introduced to practical tools that can support their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness during treatment and after returning home.

These include:

  • My Wellness Wheel: Strategies to Maintain My Recovery
  • Alcohol and Drug Awareness — The Thunderbird Within
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
  • Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Introduction to Yoga
  • Making the Most of Your Treatment Program
  • Life Skills
  • Gardening & Food Sustainability

Relationships, Family & Community

Healing also involves strengthening the connections we have with others and understanding the roles we carry within our families and communities.

Programming includes:

  • Men’s & Women’s Groups
  • Traditional Roles of Men & Women
  • Traditional Parenting I, II & III
  • Team Building
  • The Art of Networking and Making Connections
  • History of Colonization

Traditional Teachings & Culture

Culture is an important part of healing at Medicine Lodge. Relatives have opportunities to learn, participate and reconnect through experiences that may include:

  • Traditional Teachings on Love, Honesty, Respect, Humility, Courage, Truth and Wisdom
  • Medicine Walks and Medicine Picking
  • Rattle and Drum Making
  • Drum Teachings
  • Dream Catchers and Medicine Pouches
  • Naming Ceremonies
  • Quarterly Fasting Camps
  • Water and Fire Teachings
  • Rock Teachings
  • Birch Bark Baskets
  • Moss Bag and Cradle Board Teachings
  • Building Your Traditional Bundle

Your Healing Journey Is Your Own

  • You do not need to arrive at Medicine Lodge with everything figured out.
  • You do not need to be ready to tell your whole story.
  • You only need to be ready to begin.

Our role is to provide the teachings, tools, support and safe space that allow healing to happen naturally. Our programs invite you to participate at your pace, in your space and in a way that respects where you are in your journey.

At Nelson House Medicine Lodge, healing begins from within.

Telehealth

Telehealth is the use of information technology to connect people to health care services at a distance. A high-speed, secure, video link is used to connect clients to health care providers at different locations in Manitoba.You are able to see, hear and talk to your care provider on a television screen and they will be able to see, hear, and talk to you.