Here you’ll find the latest updates from Endacho Healing Society including news releases, project news, and updates on the Trauma Healing Lodge.
Endacho Healing Society Shows How Trauma Healing Lodge Advances the Assembly’s Healing Priorities
Endacho Healing Society made a presentation to the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Social Development on June 16, 2026 sharing the progress being made toward establishing the Northwest Territories' first Indigenous-led Trauma Healing Lodge.
June 19, 2026
Endacho Healing Society presents to Standing Committee on the Trauma Healing Lodge.
Endacho Healing Society made a presentation to the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Social Development on June 16, 2026 sharing the progress being made toward establishing the Northwest Territories' first Indigenous-led Trauma Healing Lodge.
The presentation highlighted both the significant momentum behind the initiative and the important work that remains ahead. Committee members heard about the Society's successful land-based trauma healing pilot programs, the development of an eight-week trauma-specific healing curriculum, the completion of a comprehensive feasibility study and business plan, and the $7 million federal capital commitment already secured for the Lodge. Endacho Healing Society also provided an update on the Tripartite Working Group involving the Government of the Northwest Territories, Indigenous Services Canada and the Society. The Working Group is focused on long-term solutions for both capital and operational funding to support the future success of the Lodge.
Committee members engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the proposed operating model, referral pathways, pilot program outcomes, staffing, accreditation, and the long-term sustainability of the Lodge. The Society shared how the Trauma Healing Lodge will complement existing health and addictions services by addressing the underlying trauma that often contributes to many of the social, health and wellness challenges experienced across the territory. The presentation reinforced a simple but important message: trauma healing has been identified as a priority for the Legislative Assembly, and the Trauma Healing Lodge represents a unique opportunity to turn that priority into meaningful action. While significant planning has been completed and strong partnerships continue to develop, sustainable operational funding remains the key piece needed to bring this vision to life for Northerners.
Endacho Healing Society extends its sincere thanks to the Standing Committee on Social Development for the opportunity to share its work and for the thoughtful discussion that followed. We appreciate the Committee's interest, encouragement, and ongoing commitment to improving access to Indigenous-led healing services in the Northwest Territories.
The Society remains committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous governments, community partners, and all levels of government to bring this vision to life and create lasting pathways to healing for future generations.
$7 Million for Trauma Healing Lodge
Endacho Healing Society (EHS) recently learned that the federal government has earmarked up to $7 million to help it build an energy efficient healing lodge in the NWT.
March 26, 2025
Endacho Healing Society (EHS) recently learned that the federal government has earmarked up to $7 million to help it build an energy efficient healing lodge in the NWT.
Endacho Healing Society is a not-for-profit society focusing on the mental health and wellness of Indigenous northerners. Roy and Jean Erasmus are the mental health counsellors who formed the society to help move toward their vision of a healing lodge by and for Indigenous people in the NWT.
Jean and Roy have been working since 2022 to establishing a trauma healing lodge in the NWT in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action # 21.
“Our vision is a future where Indigenous northerners have good health and wellbeing and have a strong cultural identity. We want them to live in resilient, supportive and healthy communities,” notes Jean Erasmus, Vice Chair of Endacho Healing Society.
“We know that in order to get there, we need a trauma healing lodge that is rooted in Indigenous culture and uses both Indigenous and western approaches to healing.”
To date, EHS has completed a feasibility study and business plan and is currently creating a healing program with the help and advice of Indigenous Elders. The healing program will be tested in pilot projects this summer.
“Throughout our work to make the healing lodge a reality, we have taken guidance from Indigenous Elders. We have consulted with Indigenous people and governments, and we have received support from territorial and federal governments. We know that we will only succeed when we work in partnership with those who share our vision,” says Roy Erasmus, Chairman of Endacho Healing Society.
“That is why we are so pleased to know that the Government of Canada has committed funds towards our healing lodge. ”
When the lodge opens, it will have up to 24 people at a time in 6-8 week programs and people will have to be sober for at least 35 days to be eligible to participate.
Read Additional Articles Related to This Release
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/endacho-healing-lodge-1.7501476