Fifty years of trust, reinforced by a national standard
NADACA has been serving First Nations in Nova Scotia since 1973. Accreditation didn't create that trust. But for audiences outside those communities, it made the work legible in a language they recognized.
NADACA was a pilot program in 1973. It was one of the earliest Indigenous organizations in Nova Scotia, established under what was then the Union of Nova Scotia Indians. NADACA Mi'kmaw Lodge opened in 1983. Eagle Feather Recovery House followed in 1989. A virtual program launched in 2020 and was accredited shortly after. NADACA has been doing this work, in one form or another, for more than half a century.
Why they pursued accreditation
Their accreditation was funder driven. Indigenous Services Canada required the treatment centres under its funding model be accredited and supported the process financially. That was their entry point. But the team have since come to see the value of accrediatation.
"Accreditation gave our organization a way to demonstrate adherence to national standards, which is particularly important given the stigma that can surround Indigenous organizations. Being accredited allows us to clearly state to funders, partners, and the people we serve that we meet a recognized national standard of care.Joshua oluwaleye, CEO, Edmonton mentor network
Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association of Nova Scotia (NADACA) tell a better story about the work it does
Accreditation has strengthened the trust. Our communities trust the work we do
Outside those communities, Accreditation does more visble work. It legitimizes the organizations in the eyes of non-Indigenous agencies, because they have met a set of recognized standards.
For anyone seeking help or wanting to learn about NADACA's programs, the message is clear. They meet a national standard.