Neqotkuk First Nation and Indigenous Services Canada celebrate expansion of Wolastoqewiyik Healing Lodge
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NEQOTKUK (TOBIQUE FIRST NATION), NB, Oct. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- Neqotkuk and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) are celebrating the completion of a major renovation and expansion of the Wolastoqewiyik Healing Lodge. The facility provides holistic health, wellness, and addiction recovery support for members of Neqotkuk and other First Nation communities in New Brunswick. Operated in connection with the Neqotkuk Health Center, the enhanced Healing Lodge will expand access to culturally safe, trauma-informed services that support healing, recovery, and overall well-being for individuals, families, and the community.
The renovation and expansion project has increased the Healing Lodge's capacity to provide comprehensive wellness and addiction recovery programming in a safe, welcoming environment. Guided by Indigenous approaches to healing, the Lodge offers supports that promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness while helping individuals build resilience, reconnect with culture, and work toward long-term recovery.
The Wolastoqewiyik Healing Lodge operates 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of the community's residents. The building includes individual rooms for sleeping, common washrooms, kitchen, dining, offices, multi-purpose room, storage, and service spaces.
Indigenous Services Canada provided $2.6 million for the renovation and expansion of the Wolastoqewiyik Healing Lodge. The program is running and serving clients in the surrounding First Nation communities.
Quotes
"Neqotkuk is pleased with the expansion and upgrades to our addiction rehabilitation facility. This investment by Canada will help our community provide important healing services to our people and build their strength when they are at their weakest, due to addictions. This healing lodge will save many lives, and we look forward to its continued success."
Chief Ross Perley
Tobique First Nation (Neqotkuk)
"Healing from addiction is not something anyone should have to face alone. Having a safe place where people can find support, reconnect with their culture, and rebuild their lives can make all the difference. That is why our government is proud to support the expansion of the Wolastoqewiyik Healing Lodge, helping more people access the care they need, close to home and surrounded by their community. I want to congratulate Chief Perley and Neqotkuk First Nation for their leadership in making this possible."
The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services
"The renovation and expansion of the Healing Lodge has been a vision of the community for a long time now. It is great to see it coming to completion so our community members can continue on their healing journeys.
Our staff have been dedicated throughout, taking feedback from clients and including it in our revised program while also upgrading their own training in trauma-informed practice, medication management and pharmacology."
Deana Sappier
Health Director, Neqotkuk Health Programs and Services
Quick facts
- Neqotkuk First Nation (formerly known as Tobique First Nation) is one of six Wolastoqiyik reserves in New Brunswick, Canada. Neqotkuk is the largest rural Wolastoqiyik reserve in NB with a population of approximately 2,500.
- The Wolastoqewiyik Healing Lodge is a single-storey structure that was constructed in 2003. It is part of the accredited Neqotkuk Health Center.
- The Neqotkuk Health Center offers a wide range of programs and services for the community, including a community garden, maternal health, medical transportation, and family physician clinics.
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SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada
For more information, media may contact: Livi McElrea, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, [email protected]; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, [email protected]; Neqotkuk First Nation, Deana Sappier, Health Director, Neqotkuk Health Programs & Services, 506-273-5430, Cell: 506-478-7303, [email protected]
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