Sunrise Healing Lodge Society

In 1974, Native Alcohol Services Society was formed under the Alberta Societies Act and began as an outpatient program in a small one-room office in inner-city Calgary. The same year, Crowfoot Sunrise Residence opened in a house in Victoria Park for people dependent on alcohol. By 1977 the client base had risen to 400, requiring five full-time counsellors.

The two organizations amalgamated in 1998. A major fundraising effort followed from 1999 to 2002: raw land was purchased, and a new facility was designed and built. In September 2002 the outpatient office closed and moved in, and the residential program followed two weeks later. The building, 21,000 square feet, opened officially that October, with residence and services finally under one roof. In 2018 the agency took its present name, Sunrise Healing Lodge Society. The change, the site explains, was meant to destigmatize the idea that only Indigenous people have addictions, without changing what the centre has always done: blending Indigenous culture with the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The approach is abstinence-based. Clients work through all twelve steps in treatment, using cultural practices to connect with their spiritual beliefs. Programming includes Indigenous teachings and Sharing Circles, and Elders who meet clients individually for spiritual teachings. The 14-week inpatient program is funded through Recovery Alberta at no cost to clients. Outpatient options run 13 weeks or 4 weeks, with lunch provided. Family counselling includes an eight-week Traditional Parenting Program. The EAGLE and CROW groups, for women's and men's anger healing, trace back to the 1990s.

In the reception area, Walter's Trading Post carries art and crafts, some made by clients during treatment. It is named for Walter Shingoose, a residential supervisor of 18 years who shared his own recovery story and died in 2006. Sunrise is licensed by the Alberta Government and holds Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada. It sits on Treaty 7 territory and says it is guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action.