P.E.I. First Nation wellness centre incorporates Mi'kmaq healing to mental health and addictions services

Addictions and mental health patients at the Abegweit First Nation Mi'kmaq Wellness Centre, northeast of Charlottetown, are seeing success incorporating Mi'kmaq traditions into their patient care. At the clinic, a mental health and addictions clinician and a community health nurse use a "braided" approach to care that includes western clinical practices, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and narrative therapy, as well as options to incorporate Mi'kmaq culture and practices. While not assuming all clients will want to incorporate Mi'kmaq traditions into their healing, they want patients to have the option. Smudging, sweat lodges and traditional teachings are available.