In 2007 the File Hills Tribal Council and Touchwood Agency Tribal Council opened Leading Thunderbird Lodge, to address a growing need for the treatment of Indigenous youth experiencing addictions with drugs, alcohol and solvents. Participants throughout Canada attend the program.
The vision of Leading Thunderbird Lodge with their treatment program is to assist in building strong individuals based on holistic treatment that addresses the realms of: spiritual, physical, psychological and social well-being.
One of the core programs in the treatment of these young men is the Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Program. Within a few days of intake to Leading Thunderbird Lodge, they are taught the story of the horse and then introduced to the horses at the Clearview Arena. A few minutes north of the Leading Thunderbird Lodge facility.
Leading Thunderbird Lodge partnered with the Twisted Wire Ranch (EAL) Riding Program because the program was identified as supporting the Lodge’s commitment to a culture-based model of resiliency, and its holistic approach to youth spiritual, physical, psychological and social well-being.
Unlike other Equine Assisted Learning programs in Canada participants actually ride the horses.