Residential treatment facility groundbreaking sends a healthy message to reservation families

Scott Csernyik

7/14/2003 12:00:00 AM

A new beginning for those seeking help with substance abuse problems was ushered in recently with the groundbreaking of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe's residential treatment facility.

The 35,000-square-foot-site will be located near the Elijah Elk Cultural Center. Tribal officials and local dignitaries gathered My 29 for the groundbreaking, which started with a Pipe Ceremony. Song was offered by High Spirit.

"It's killing our people. It's killing all races," stated District 1 Tribal Council representative Milton "Beaver" Pelcher, who is also the Seventh Generation director. "Alcohol is destroying homes and ripping apart families."

Chief Maynard Kahgegab Jr. said the facility reflected a commitment on behalf of Tribal Council to help members find their true path.

"The path will assist Tribal members in overcoming the despair and family burdens substance abuse places on an individual's life," he stated. "This new facility, however, is only part of an overall solution. Educating our children about the negative outcomes of substance abuse, along with law enforcement efforts, are necessary. Tribal Council is committed to implementing educational programs and enhancing law enforcement efforts to fight substance abuse in our community. The construction of this facility is a sign of a new tomorrow for those with substance abuse issues."

The $3.5 million facility will have 12 beds for inpatient care, six of those earmarked for adults and the remaining for adolescents. Another component of the building is having a domestic violence center. Behavioral Health Department staff, which includes Tribal Mental Health, as well as Ojibwe Substance Abuse and Prevention, will also be located at the site. The facility is being designed by the Muskegon based Hooker De Jong Architects & Engineers.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said it was an honor for her to share in the partnership between two nations-the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and the United States of America.

"This is a very important effort," she said. "This is a place that will bring a blessing of peace, of safety, of renewal and of hope. For those that go through this treatment, their lives and their families' lives will be better. All of this will make the community better."

Stabenow, along with U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich. and U.S. Congressman Dave Camp, R-Midland, helped secure federal appropriations for partial funding of the project. She said having the center on the Isabella Reservation will send an important message to families.

Probate Court Judge William Ervin said he has witnessed firsthand the devastation left in the wake of substance abuse.

"The step that the Tribe is taking here today shows your commitment to your members, children and families that are being destroyed by this problem," he said. "I want to congratulate the Tribe on this monumental step they've taken. I am hopeful by your commitment it will serve as an example and catalyst for other communities that you are doing something about the problem."

Addiction is a disease, contended District Court Judge William Rush during his address.

"Alcohol and drugs have a pharmacological impact on our bodies, and unfortunately on our brains," he stated. "This project recognized that a strong, viable Tribe must have healthy Tribal members.

"This project also recognizes that each and every Tribal member is important and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Here , we have promise, Here, we have hope. Here, we have action. I know this is going to be an extremely successful project."

Behavioral Health Administrator Mary Allison stated it was an honor and privilege to be standing before the community. She also acknowledged the entire staff for their efforts in making the center a reality.

Ojibwe Substance Abuse Director Pat Racette, who has since retired, said the project was a dream of his for years. He also thanked everyone involved in the planning process.

"This was not just a couple people show," he explained.

Clinical Director Hunter Genia was encouraged to hear Stabenow mention the venture was a partnership between two nations.

"These things that we are asking for in assisting our people-they're not something that was granted to us, but something that was earned by treaty. This treatment center will give us an opportunity to put forth a program, an important program that will rely heavily on our culture, our tradition and our ceremonies."