Bissell Centre officially introduces Den of Willows supportive recovery housing to the Edmonton community

Bissell Centre cut the ribbon on its new supportive recovery housing site, Den of Willows, which features 24/7 wraparound supports for individuals with FASD looking to continue their journeys out of addiction. The four individuals calling Den of Willows home officially moved in back in January 2026 and say they are already experiencing the positive benefits of having access to trauma-informed and specifically catered supports. 

“Having a culturally safe space allows me to interact with my spiritual path and become a better version of myself,” says Chance Goddard, a Den of Willows resident. “I have found the thing that all us residents say more than anything else is how wonderful it is to have a home that is ours for as long as we want and a small community to belong to.”  

How Den of Willows Supports Recovery

Den of Willows has four main goals in supporting its residents:  

• Supporting them as they come out of recovery.  

• Focusing on their unique needs based on their FASD.  

• Supporting sobriety in a stable living environment.  

• Helping people towards long-term housing retention.  

People living at Den of Willows either have or may have FASD, are in recovery from addiction, and have histories of chronic homelessness. Staff at the supportive recovery housing site support the residents with life-skills development, employment readiness, cultural connection, and referrals to health and community services.  

“Den of Willows fills an important gap for people coming out of treatment who may experience homelessness because they don’t have any options for housing that supports their sobriety,” says Candace Noble, Bissell Centre’s Executive Services Officer. “Den of Willows ensures people with FASD who were experiencing addiction are supported in their recovery and can integrate into community.”    

Bissell Centre’s Housing Goals

Den of Willows is part of Bissell Centre’s larger housing strategy, a three-year plan to increase housing options through collaborative partnerships with government, funders and other services providers. Building on experience and expertise from operating Hope Terrace, Bissell Centre is focused on providing sustainable, human-centered housing options that nurture healthy communities by improving people’s overall wellbeing and creating additional independent housing opportunities.   

“At Bissell Centre, we believe that access to safe and affordable housing is a vital aspect for ending poverty. Our Housing Development Strategy charts a course for Bissell’s contribution to expanding sustainable housing in Edmonton,” says Johanna Knettig, Co-CEO with Bissell Centre. “Tackling the housing crisis in a sustainable, human-centered way is our shared responsibility. Implementation will require collaboration with all orders of government, community partners, Indigenous Nations, and the private sector. We are grateful to work with partners who share the goal of ensuring healthy communities and are excited to continue this work together.”     

Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, says, “Recovery housing is a key part of Alberta’s Recovery Model, helping people transition from treatment into long-term stability. Our government is proud to support initiatives like Den of Willows supportive recovery house, improving outcomes for individuals and strengthening communities across the province.” 

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day 2026 at Bissell Centre

One of Bissell Centre’s largest and most joyful celebrations of the year is coming back with even more performers, food, activities, and cheer for the whole community.  

What: National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

Where: Outside of Bissell Centre – 10527 96 Street

When: Friday, June 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Featuring art, performances, stew and bannock from Bissell Harvest Catering, and even an appearance from the children at Bissell Child Care.  

“Holding this celebration is incredibly important for many of the people who come to us seeking support,” says Heather Slade, Bissell Centre’s Manager of Indigenous Engagement. “Acknowledging this important day helps so many as they heal from the trauma of colonialism.” 

This Year’s Headliners at National Indigenous Peoples Day

The headline performers at this year’s NIPD celebration are Adrian LaChance and the Running Thunder Dancers, taking place from noon to 2:00 p.m. Their performances will include traditional drumming, singing, and dancing — including a round dance as a memorial for all the loved ones in the community we have lost over the years.  

Adrian LaChance and the Running Thunder Dancers have been performing traditional Indigenous dancing and drumming since 2010, and facilitating workshops to better support individuals, families, and communities through cultural connection, healing, and personal growth. LaChance himself is renowned for his powwow dancing and drumming. He has been showcasing the culture he carries from the James Smith Cree Nation across the world, including through Europe, Asia and New Zealand.  

A Celebration for the Entire Community

“Seeing the community come alive for this celebration is always so heartwarming,” says Slade. “NIPD reminds me about the hope I have for our vision to see an end to poverty in our community.” 

Bissell Centre’s annual NIPD celebration is just one of the many ways its Indigenous Engagement team makes space for ceremony, culture, and healing — guiding both people in the community and Bissell Centre as an organization.  

“With so many people we support coming from Indigenous Nations, ensuring Indigenous culture is integrated into what we do is crucial for their healing,” says Slade. “Bissell Centre is continuously seeking to be an ally with Indigenous communities. Our NIPD celebration is just one way we honour the resiliency of Indigenous communities.”