Dehnawehmakanug – Prevention Services

About

Dehnawehmakanug – All My Relations – is the Prevention Services Department of Lac Seul FIrst Nation. Guided by the LSFN Drug and Alcohol Strategy Committee (Obishikokaang Biimaadiiziwin Miikanah), and the department works to support healing, wellness, recovery and community safety for individuals and families across Lac Seul. 

The name Dehnawehmakanug reminds us that we are all connected — to our families, our ancestors, our children, and our responsibilities under our teachings. Prevention Services is grounded in these teachings and focuses on strengthening individuals and families before, during and after times of crisis.

The department provides both immediate and long-term supports to:

·       Individuals in recovery

·       Families experiencing crisis

·       Members impacted by addictions

·       Individuals experiencing violence

·       Youth and adults requiring mental health support

Dehnawehmakanug Prevention Services plays an important role within the Family Wellbeing Lodge by working closely with OAOM, OSG and PMSS to provide coordinated wraparound support that strengthen community safety and overall wellbeing.

Programs and Services

  • General Services

    ·       Case management and goal planning

    ·       Mental health and addiction support

    ·       Cultural and land-based programming

    ·       Outreach and crisis support

    ·       Transportation assistance

    ·       Referrals to treatment and external services

  • Oshki-Maajidaa Biimaadiziwin (Aftercare Program)

    Supports individuals and families in recovery through culturally grounded programming and ongoing support.

    ·       Weekly sobriety circles and peer support

    ·       Life skills workshops and programming

    ·       Land-based activities (hunting, fishing, teachings)

    ·       Discharge planning and follow-up support after treatment

  • Pizaaniziwin Mental Wellness Program

    Provides individualized mental health and addiction supports.

    ·       One-on-one counselling and recovery support

    ·       Mental health and addiction assessments

    ·       Medication management and clinical monitoring

    ·       Crisis intervention and follow-up care

    ·       Tea Talks and Sharing Circles

  • Pibaa Maadiziwin Outreach Support Program

    Provides direct outreach to members who may be at-risk or experiencing crisis.

    ·       Wellness checks and outreach visits

    ·       Elders visits and support

    ·       Transportation assistance

    ·       Delivery of basic necessities

    ·       Referrals and follow-up care

  • Bii-Wasaya: Coming of the Dawn (Gender-Based Violence Program)

    Focuses on awareness, prevention, and support related to gender-based violence.

    ·       Community workshops and education sessions

    ·       Peer support for individuals and families

    ·       Men’s Talking Circle (safe, confidential space)

    ·       Collaboration with community programs and leadership

  • Community Treatment Program

    Provides access to private treatment for members seeking support for substance use.

    ·       Rapid referrals to approved treatment centres

    ·       Support before, during, and after treatment

    ·       Ongoing follow-up to support successful transition back into community

  • Community Programs & Activities

    Prevention Services offers a variety of programs and activities that support wellness, connection, and cultural identity, including:

    ·       Parenting classes

    ·       Cooking classes

    ·       Beading nights

    ·       Moccasin-making gatherings

    ·       Cultural workshops

    ·       Intergenerational activities

Drug and Alcohol Strategy

In 2022, following the initiation of the Bill C-92 process, the LSFN Drug and Alcohol Committee was established to respond to the drug and alcohol crisis in the community and to guide the planning, design, and implementation of priorities under the Strategy. The Dehnawehmakanug Prevention Department was tasked with leading this work.

 

To date, priorities have focused on Prevention, Treatment, and Aftercare and the committee continues to provide guidance on the Healing Spirits Wellness Centre capital project.  Following a 2024 refresh of the Strategy, the Committee was renamed Obishikokaang Biimaadiiziwin Miikanah (OBM), meaning Lac Seul Path to the Good Life. The refreshed Strategy identified the Enforcement Pillar as a key priority for 2025.

OBM Community Safety Sub-Committee

In 2025, the OBM Community Safety Sub-Committee was established to support the development, and implementation of a Community Safety Strategy under the Enforcement Pillar.

During its initial meetings, the Sub-Committee identified key elements of a wraparound Community Safety Strategy and confirmed two initial priorities

By-Law Enforcement

The Sub-Committee engaged Headwaters Law (LSFN General Counsel) to lead the review and revision of the Trespass Law and Community Safety Law. In partnership with Headwaters Law, work continues to strengthen both laws through legal review and amendments that enhance their effectiveness and enforceability. The laws are anticipated to come into force in late summer, with implementation expected to begin in the fall.

Crisis Response

The Lac Seul Police Service provided a presentation on the potential for a Situation Table collaboration model, which brings frontline service providers together to improve risk assessment, crisis response, and communication across departments. Based on direction from Chief and Council, the Sub-Committee is moving forward with planning for the Situation Table model, beginning with training for LSFN Directors and staff. To support this work, a Leadership Group has been established to work alongside Dr. Chad Nilson in guiding the development and implementation of the Indigenous Intervention & Support Circle, providing leadership and direction as Lac Seul First Nation builds a community-led approach to supporting individuals and families experiencing crisis. The Leadership Group officially held its kick-off meeting on July 28, 2026.