A new Indigenous-run youth home meant to provide mental health and addictions support has opened in Regina.
Joe and Irene’s Youth Home officially held a grand opening in Regina on Thursday, but the facility was already providing care before then.
The home is intended to provide a safe and stable environment to help youth transition back to their families.
The province is providing $800,000 annual funding to partner with Eagle Heart Centre on the facility, which can accommodate five Indigenous youth between the ages of 12 and 18-years-old.
“The culture and traditions that they practice will be honoured there, and we have staff who are experienced in that area, so all that will happen,” explained Delora Parisian, executive director of Eagle Heart Centre.
Parisian explained the centre is named after her Métis parents, who raised her with strong values.
“Despite facing racism, poverty and personal hardships, my parents raised us with the values of hard work, financial independence and the encouragement to follow our dreams. Joe and Irene’s Youth Home has been built for roots to grow strong and bold, where dreams unfold,” she said.
The facility provides 24/7 support, and youth can stay from one month up to one year.
Regina’s centre is the second of three planned homes to open, as part of the provincial government’s $2.4 million commitment in their 2023-2024 budget.
The EGADZ Garden of Hope in Saskatoon was the first to open in December of 2023 and the third home is currently in development, according to the province.
-With files from Gareth Dillistone
