Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre

Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre Inc. – meaning “Rainbow Lodge” in Ojibwe – is a leading Indigenous-operated addiction treatment facility located in Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. Rooted deeply in Anishinaabe culture and traditions, the centre provides holistic healing programs for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who are seeking freedom from substance use and a return to balanced living.

For over 35 years, Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre has been a trusted and respected haven for Indigenous people facing the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual challenges of addiction. By blending cultural practices with evidence-based therapies, the centre offers a trauma-informed and culturally safe space where individuals can begin their healing journey with dignity, community, and purpose.

Culturally-Grounded Healing Philosophy

Ngwaagan Gamig’s programs are based on the Seven Grandfather Teachings, The Four Sacred Medicines, and the Medicine Wheel, which guide each participant through a personalized journey of recovery. These cultural foundations empower clients to reconnect with their identity, spirituality, and traditions—key elements that support long-term wellness.

This approach addresses the unique intergenerational trauma Indigenous people may carry, including the legacy of residential schools, systemic discrimination, and loss of cultural identity. Healing at Ngwaagan Gamig is not only about ending substance use—it’s about restoring balance to the whole person.

Core Programs and Services

Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of Indigenous individuals and families impacted by substance use.

1. Residential Treatment Program (Co-ed, Ages 19+)

The flagship 49-day residential treatment program is open to adult men and women across Ontario. It includes:

• Individual counselling

• Group therapy

• Traditional ceremonies (e.g., smudging, sweat lodge, drum circles)

• Life skills development

• Cultural teachings and land-based learning

Participants benefit from a structured, nurturing environment that promotes abstinence, self-reflection, and community healing. The program supports clients through the full continuum of care, from detox support to reintegration planning.

2. Youth Programs

Ngwaagan Gamig provides culturally-relevant prevention and education services to Indigenous youth. Through partnerships with schools and communities, the centre facilitates:

• Substance use awareness workshops

• Cultural and land-based programming

• Peer mentorship

• Empowerment sessions focused on identity, resilience, and leadership

These initiatives build protective factors and offer youth positive alternatives while reconnecting them to their heritage.

3. Aftercare and Continuing Support

Recognizing that recovery is a lifelong journey, Ngwaagan Gamig offers comprehensive aftercare planning. Services include:

• Regular check-ins via phone or virtual counselling

• Access to community-based supports

• Relapse prevention strategies

• Referrals to transitional housing and employment services

Aftercare is coordinated with local health and social service agencies to ensure a seamless transition back to home communities.

4. Community Outreach and Prevention

Ngwaagan Gamig collaborates with First Nations communities across Ontario to deliver customized prevention education, harm reduction resources, and cultural training. These initiatives aim to:

• Increase awareness about substance use and mental health

• Equip communities with culturally-relevant tools for intervention

• Foster healing through community events and cultural gatherings

Their outreach team visits remote and rural communities, bridging access gaps and reducing stigma around seeking help.

5. Family Healing and Support Services

Substance use affects entire families. Ngwaagan Gamig provides support for family members and loved ones through:

• Family counselling sessions

• Healing circles and workshops

• Parenting support

• Educational resources

By involving families in the recovery process, the centre helps rebuild relationships, improve communication, and support lasting healing across generations.

Benefits of Choosing Ngwaagan Gamig

Choosing Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre comes with several distinctive advantages:

• Culturally Safe Environment: All programs are delivered in a setting that honours Indigenous traditions, values, and teachings.

• Experienced Indigenous Staff: The team includes Elders, cultural facilitators, addiction specialists, and mental health professionals who understand the lived experiences of Indigenous people.

• Land-Based Healing: Being surrounded by nature, participants engage in healing activities such as medicine walks, sweat lodges, and cultural crafts that connect them with the land and their ancestors.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Programs address the root causes of addiction, including intergenerational trauma and historical injustices.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Programs are offered to Indigenous clients from all over Ontario, with transportation support provided in some cases.

A Path to Healing and Hope

Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre is more than a treatment facility—it is a place of restoration, self-discovery, and community. Whether you are beginning your healing journey or supporting a loved one through recovery, Rainbow Lodge provides the cultural grounding, compassion, and strength needed to walk the good path once more.

To learn more or begin the referral process, visit ngwaagan.ca or contact the centre directly. Your healing journey begins with one step—and we are here to walk it with you.