“No matter how many times you fall, they’ll still give you another opportunity” – Conversations with Key Informants to Evaluate a Community-led Rehabilitation Facility in Northern Saskatchewan

Abstract

Community engagement processes conducted with the Northern Village of Pinehouse determined the need for an evaluation of the Recovery Lake Program (RLP). The study exemplifies a collaborative process of sharing experiences and stories, inclusive of key informants from varied backgrounds and expertise, affording the opportunity to weave together Indigenous knowledge, research and policy expertise in a voluntary, non-hierarchical context. The stories shared throughout the interviews offer wisdom that will inform the realignment and direction of growth of some of the facilities and programs offered by the RLP. Through these stories, themes that highlight good practices, positive components and several gaps in the program emerge. Finally, the article includes recommendations for improving the RLP’s treatment and post-program support needs for their clients.