‘Break the cycle’: Métis Nation–Saskatchewan wants to build a treatment centre in Batoche

WATCH: Métis Nation-Saskatchewan is sounding the alarm over addiction and gang activity it says tearing communities apart.

Brennan Merasty and Beverly Fullerton have both struggled with addiction.

Now, as leaders within Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S), they want to make a difference.

Serving time in a federal prison, Fullerton said she’s witnessed “a lot of Band-Aid solutions.”

“I could walk through a treatment centre with my eyes closed, go through the programs, walk out, and I’m back to square one — back in the line of fire,” Merasty told CTV News.

“We need to break the cycle. We have to do things differently.”

MN–S wants to build a land-based, traditional healing centre for those struggling with addictions.

The group is eyeing an area around Batoche, Sask. to build the facility, but planning is in the early stages.

On Thursday, MN–S declared a state of emergency over the rise of gangs, violence and drug use.

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“The uses of drugs have changed tremendously. We’re seeing a rise of crystal meth, fentanyl, which is now increasing the overdoses,” Fullerton told CTV News.

Fullerton said gang recruitment is starting younger.

“We have youth as young as ten-years-old joining gangs,” she said.

MN–S hopes the state of emergency will bring provincial and federal governments to the table.

CTV News has requested comment from the federal government.

The Government of Saskatchewan said it shares the same desire “for expanded access to addictions treatment in our province, including the expansion of culturally-appropriate care options for members of our First Nation and Métis populations.”

In an email to CTV News, the Ministry of Health said it plans to add 500 new addictions treatment spaces by 2028.

“Our officials look forward to speaking with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan about their proposals and our shared interest in ensuring the appropriate treatment is available to help those struggling with addictions,” the ministry wrote.