Community and Civic

Native Addictions Council of Manitoba

Native Addictions Council of Manitoba

Culturally Rooted Healing & Recovery

Native Addictions Council of Manitoba (NACM) provides healing of addiction through traditional Indigenous practices with the goal of providing culturally based healing for future generations. This facility is currently housed in Winnipeg’s urban core in an older mix of yellow brick buildings that was once a tuberculosis hospital. This project received significant Green and Inclusive Community Building Program (GICB) funding to upgrade the energy efficiency, accessibility including a new elevator, barrier-free washrooms, and shower rooms, as well as the electrical, mechanical and life safety systems.

The deep energy retrofit of the building will accommodate 22 participants who will be greeted by a new culturally significant teepee themed, barrier-free entrance, creating a meaningful landmark for the area and a statement against the existing colonial building. Using a trauma informed design framework Number Ten transforms this centre to create spaces for healing and dignity. We used collaborative engagement strategies such as Empathy Mapping and Visual Listening to better respond to the needs of future relatives. The design encourages agency and ownership and responds to the ways that residents may engage with others to focus on relationship building. It Includes a variety of materials, ample natural light, acoustics and biophilic consideration and culturally appropriate artwork.

Rendering of the vestibule entrance. There is a short staircase leading into the main entrance of the building and hanging circular lights which glow upon the brick wall. There are people sitting on a bench and potted plants in the corners of the room.
Rendering of the a typical bedroom at the facility. There is a man sitting on a bed looking out one of the two windows. The room is bright and sunny, with vibrant photos on the wall and clean furniture.
Rendering of the tipi entrance of the building. The tipi entrance has a slatted appearance and is orange in colour. There is glass windows and a glass door beneath the tipi.
Rendering of the reception area. There is an indigenous compass rug on the floor and seating surrounds it, with small white tables as well. There is a curved marble reception desk and a big circular shaped light on the ceiling.
Rendering of the a room with a glowing fireplace, a ouch, a chair, and a circular table.