The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations came into existence through the vision and foresight of tribal leaders from the Spokane, Kalispel, and Colville Confederated Tribes of Washington, the Nez Perce, Kootenai, and Coeur d'Alene Tribes of Idaho, and the Confederated Umatilla Tribes of Oregon. The identified need addressed the concern of sending "our children" to far away places for help. A central site was selected (Spokane), and the agency was created through Public Law 638. Business was conducted from a place on the South Hill of Spokane. As services progressed and more patients received treatment, a larger facility was needed. The agency eventually moved to a larger building on Kalispel Street near North Central High School in Spokane. For a few years, the site provided a facility that met the needs of those served , however, it eventually became obsolete. The agency had, by this time, evolved to a point where the true vision of the original creators could finally be achieved. The decision to move to another setting was not enough. It was time to construct a facility that would provided a setting that the residents could think of as "home" while receiving treatment services. This dream facility, on 8th Avenue, opened in 1996.
During the time when the agency came into existence, the focus was to establish a business that provided alcohol and drug treatment for youth. Policies, procedures, protocols, staffing, training, program development, etc., had to be established. This was achieved through a series of processes taking place, in some cases, very quickly, and conversely, over a period of years in other cases.
The Healing Lodge did not pursue or engage in any type of serious planning prior to 1998. Funding was available to meet most of the agency's needs and the business of treatment was facilitated. After moving into the current facility in 1996, it became apparent that I.H.S. alone could not fund an expansion of services including culture, mental health, and family services desired by the Board and Staff. The truth of this statement was realized in 1999. In May of 1999, the Board of Directors, Healing Lodge staff, and Healing Lodge residents participated in a planning process which generated a strategic plan — a blueprint or map — that provided directions for the agency for a three year period. Much of the goal setting in the original document was put into actions over the course of the first year, after ratification by the Board of Directors.Since 1999, sound fiscal planning and spending has provided a comfortable cushion of funds. However, fiscal trends and reports from funding sources and the economy point to a possible shortfall of funding in the future. It is important to review and evaluate the actions that have taken place and refine the goals that currently exist. Late in 2001, the Board of Directors addressed the need to revisit the strategic plan and refine it. Arrangements were made with JoAnn Kauffman of Kauffman and Associates, Inc. (KAI) to engage in a planning process for The Healing Lodge. The event took place in May 2002. Invitations were extended to Board members, tribal council members, tribal program staff, Healing Lodge staff and administration. Approximately 70 people participated. The process was initiated over a two-day period. The process was very dynamic, yielding information through an intensive participatory process.
Mission Statement
The Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations is dedicated to helping Native American youth and their families heal from the trauma of alcohol and drug abuse. Treatment planning emphasizes building on the strength of youth, family and community to ensure a strong basis of support as the youth journeys toward a life free of abuse and addiction. A variety of treatment strategies will be employed allowing for the uniqueness of each person and their need to make fundamental choices concerning their future path.The Seven Nations
Seven tribes east of the Cascade Mountains govern The Healing Lodge: The Colville Confederated Tribes, The Kalispel Tribe of Indians, and The Spokane Tribe of Indians from Washington; The Nez Perce Tribe, The Kootenai Tribe, and The Coeur d'Alene Tribe from Idaho; and The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation in Oregon. We are primarily funded through Indian Health Services (I.H.S.), as well as the Washington State Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA), as well as private insurance. We also have two three-year grants from SAMHSA/Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) for mental health and aftercare, and from the Office of Juvenile Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) for working with consortium tribal justice programs.Healing Lodge of
The Seven Nations.
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