Stephen Dunbar-Edge: Tackling Addiction and Mental Health in Northern Canada
Having grown up in the north, I've seen that a lot. I've been in communities that are considered controlled communities, dry communities, right. And it's important too to keep in mind that what I saw when I, for example, when I lived in northwest territories, in inunuvut- and I've been to all the communities in the north, by the way there are of them, in case you were curious, and some of them I've been to more than once- the communities that I found that were the healthiest communities, where people were smiling as they walked down the street, where they had a sense of community, where they were building co-ops, there was often community feasts, all of those sorts of things.
Ever wondered what it's like to battle addiction in the remote corners of Canada? In this episode of 'Change Truth', Carl Christensen sits down with Stephen Dunbar-Edge, the Executive Director of the Whitehorse Food Bank, to discuss his firsthand experiences with addiction and mental health in northern Canada. Stephen's life in the North has given him a unique perspective on the struggles faced by many, particularly within the indigenous communities.
He dives into the disproportionate number of indigenous people in the prison system and how cultural identity plays a crucial role in their self-worth and recovery. Stephen paints a vivid picture of life in northern Canada, sharing stories of communities where people thrive on strong cultural ties and mutual support. His insights are both eye-opening and heartwarming, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between addiction, mental health, and culture.
Tune in for an authentic and compassionate conversation that sheds light on the real challenges and triumphs faced by those living in these often-overlooked regions.