New Integrated Youth Services Hub Opens at Sturgeon Lake First Nation

A new integrated youth services hub has opened at Sturgeon Lake First Nation, providing a dedicated space for young people aged 12 to 25 and their caregivers. The facility, named HOMEBASE, began operations on Monday, marking the fourth such location in Saskatchewan.

Sturgeon Lake First Nation Chief Christine Longjohn emphasized the importance of this initiative. “It means that our youth have a safe place to come right now,” she said. The hub aims to address the community’s need for mental, emotional, and physical health services, including access to a doctor on staff, which had previously not been available.

Located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Prince Albert, HOMEBASE offers a range of services, including mental health and addiction support, physical health care, education, employment training, and cultural resources. The initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Saskatchewan government, which has allocated $4.5 million for the development and operations of these hubs for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

The implementation of HOMEBASE is led by the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (JHSS), which acts as a non-profit partner to facilitate collaboration with local communities. Pamela Reimer, director of integrated youth services for HOMEBASE, noted that understanding local needs is essential. “Our role is to help mitigate that and work with communities to ensure that our HOMEBASE youth hubs are meaningful,” she explained.

Tailoring services to the needs of Sturgeon Lake’s youth is a priority. Reimer highlighted that many young people desired mental health support but found traditional avenues intimidating. “They really just wanted to find a different way to access that,” she said, emphasizing a less formal environment that encourages openness.

Collaboration with the Sturgeon Lake Health Centre has been pivotal in establishing this hub. The health centre previously hosted a national research project focused on youth mental health, laying the groundwork for integrated services.

“This is a great model, but mental health isn’t the only thing youth need,” Reimer added. The hub aims to provide comprehensive support, including life skills training, which is crucial for youth development.

The project was crafted with significant input from a youth co-design team, ensuring that the services reflect the community’s needs. Reimer stated that their involvement is critical, saying, “We’re trying to ensure that when we say ‘for youth, by youth,’ we mean it.”

Chief Longjohn echoed this sentiment, noting that the project was designed with substantial youth involvement. “The biggest thing is that it was designed by the youth, and they’re still heavily involved,” she said.

The movement for integrated youth services is gaining traction both nationally and internationally. In January 2024, JHSS announced plans for four hubs across Saskatchewan, with the first HOMEBASE hub opening in Humboldt in September 2024. Subsequent hubs followed in Moose Jaw and Regina in November and December 2024, respectively, with Sturgeon Lake being the latest addition.

Longjohn acknowledged the contributions of community members, including the late Shirley Bighead, whose efforts laid the foundation for this initiative. “Today is a day of celebration,” she said, commemorating Bighead’s legacy and the ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy community.

HOMEBASE services are accessible to all young people in Saskatchewan, regardless of their residence. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for tailored support systems that empower youth and enhance their well-being.

For more information about HOMEBASE and its services, visit homebasesask.ca.