Substance Use Recovery Program (SURP)

Healing from substance use is a journey that involves the whole person — mind, body, spirit and community. The Substance Use Recovery Program offers a safe, culturally grounded space for that healing to begin.

At a Glance

Who's It for

Indigenous people in BC and Yukon seeking culturally grounded substance use recovery, prevention, treatment referral or after-care support.

Where It's Offered

Residential treatment on Nadleh Whut’en territory at Ormond Lake during summer months (May to October).
Community-based workshops and short-term programs across northern BC during winter months (November to April).

What We Help With

Addictions treatment and counselling
Land-based cultural healing
Group programs and workshops
After-treatment support and relapse prevention
Connections to other wellness services

How To Access

Apply for residential treatment at Ormond Lake
Request a winter community visit
Connect with a Wellness Worker for local support

What's the Cost

Programs are funded for Indigenous clients. Travel and related supports follow First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) policies.

About the Program

The Substance Use Recovery Program supports healing through a culturally grounded, whole-person approach. The program brings together clinical counsellors, cultural knowledge holders and Wellness Workers to blend evidence-based addiction treatment with Carrier and Sekani traditions, land-based practices and community connection.

Healing at Ordmond Lake supports physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness. Participants are encouraged to restore balance through connection to land, teachings and ceremony, cultural identity and belonging and meaningful community relationships, alongside trauma-informed clinical counselling.

Our work is rooted in respect, compassion and cultural safety, to strengthen wellness, restore balance and supporting long-term healing for individuals, families and communities.

Who This Serves

This program supports Indigenous adults seeking culturally grounded addictions treatment and healing, including:

Indigenous adults needing residential addictions treatment
Community members seeking prevention, intervention or after-care support
Individuals interested in land-based, culturally grounded healing
Northern BC First Nations requesting winter programming or workshops

Why We Do This

Addiction affects individuals, families and entire communities. We support participants in strengthening their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness. Healing is reinforced through:

Connection to land
Teachings and ceremony
Cultural identity and belonging
Community relationships
Clinical counselling and trauma-informed care

Our approach is grounded in respect, compassion and cultural safety.

Eligibility

Open to Indigenous adults (Status, Inuit, or Métis)
Applicants must be residents of British Columbia or the Yukon
Participants must be able to engage in a group-based treatment environment
As per FNHA policy, clients from other provinces cannot be accepted

How We Can Support You

Wellbriety sessions (in-person or online)

Individual counselling

After-care and relapse prevention

Outreach and customized community programming

Winter Community-Based Programs

1-week or 2-week treatment programs, workshops and education sessions.

Addiction and wellness; Self-esteem; Family violence; Shame and guilt; Spirituality; Gambling and behavioural addictions; Community-specific workshops and NNADAP support

How to Access Support

Please be advised treatment services are for residents of BC and Yukon only.

STEP 1: Initiate contact with a mental health professional to complete and/or review the treatment centre application.

STEP 2: Attend a minimum of six one-hour pre-treatment counselling and/or other support sessions in preparation for treatment.

STEP 3: Connect with a physician and/or nurse for tuberculosis screening and medical assessment.

3.1: All doctor and dentist appointments must be scheduled prior to attending treatment.

3.2: Ensure all banking and financial matters are in order before attending treatment (i.e, EI reporting, SA reporting, Rent)

3.3: Ensure all prescription medications are blister-packed and that you have enough for the duration of the program, including OAT and nicotine.

STEP 4: If you have legal obligations, connect with your probation officer, lawyer, or other applicable parties.

4.1: Confirm that you do not have any scheduled court appearances or other appointments during treatment (Gladue clients)

STEP 5: Send completed application by email or fax to the treatment centre of your choice.

STEP 6: Receive a letter of acceptance and prepare to go to the treatment centre.

6.1: Make travel arrangements to and from the treatment centre.

6.2: Review the treatment centre website for rules, protocols, and what to pack.

STEP 7: Attend the treatment centre for your healing journey.

Contacts and Locations

Front Desk

250-567-2900

surp@csfs.org

Vanderhoof Office

240 West Stewart Street Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Programming hours vary by season.