Kihew House is a residential youth recovery program operated by Nightwind Treatment Centre in Sturgeon County, Alberta, offering a trauma-informed, structured environment specifically for young women ages 12 to 18 who are experiencing addiction, trauma, or behavioural health challenges. The program blends clinical support with cultural grounding to help adolescents rebuild stability, develop coping skills, and set the foundation for long-term personal growth.
A Safe, Rural Residential Setting Focused on Young Women
Kihew House provides a small-capacity live-in program with a maximum of nine beds, enabling staff to deliver consistently personalized care. Located in a rural setting with supportive daily routines, this residential environment allows young women to step away from high-risk contexts and engage fully in recovery, education, and emotional regulation.
Trauma-Informed and Culturally Grounded Care
The recovery model at Kihew House integrates trauma-informed clinical practices with culturally meaningful elements, including teachings rooted in the Medicine Wheel and Seven Sacred Teachings. This combined approach supports emotional healing, cultural identity connection, and resilience, helping participants understand patterns of behaviour, process past experiences, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Skill Building, Counselling, and Supportive Community
Residents participate in daily therapeutic activities that include individual and group counselling, life skills workshops, recreational activities, and recovery planning tailored to each youth’s goals and strengths. Clinicians and support staff work closely with participants, their families, and referral sources to foster accountability, insight, and sustained progress.
Part of a Continuum of Youth Recovery Services
Kihew House collaborates with Nightwind’s broader network of youth programs to support transitions to next stages of care, such as assessment, stabilization, or semi-independent living, when appropriate. Its focus on culturally responsive, trauma-aware care makes it a strong option for families seeking intensive residential support for adolescent girls within northern Alberta’s recovery ecosystem.
A Residential Program for Confidence and Stability
Kihew House resonates with adolescents who benefit from a dedicated, gender-specific residential setting that balances clinical rigour with personal development. By combining structured daily life with culturally informed healing and therapeutic support, the program offers a pathway toward strengthened resilience, healthier choices, and a more stable foundation for life beyond residential care.
