Championing Indigenous Wellness: Insights from Addiction Workforce Leaders
Episode Overview
Discussion on the certification in addictions core competencies and the investment in the addictions workforce. Importance of traditional knowledge and ceremony in addressing the opioid and meth addiction crisis in First Nations communities. Challenges faced by treatment centres in providing holistic, culturally-based, and trauma-informed services. Impact of land-based healing and cultural practices on Indigenous wellness. Emphasis on decolonizing practices and community leadership in addiction treatment.
The hope is that as Indigenous people, we can find a place where we don't need substance or any sort of addiction pieces to fill the places that need healing. And so our surveys were able to kind of move some things around for us. Of course, there's things that are important to us, the values of how we serve our Indigenous relatives that come in, making sure they're safe, making sure that it's a welcoming environment, and making sure that they're getting the things they need, like their medications and programming.
What does it take to support a community grappling with addiction? In this episode, host Carol Hopkins welcomes Theresa Crow-Spreading-His-Wings and Sandra Malcolm from the Native Addictions Council of Manitoba. They dive into the critical role of the addictions workforce and the certification in core competencies that’s making a real difference.
Theresa, a Blackfoot First Nations woman, shares her journey from the Child Welfare System to becoming an advocate for those struggling with addiction, poverty, and mental health issues in Winnipeg. Sandra, the Program Coordinator, adds her expertise on the subject, making this discussion both lively and deeply informative. Together, they explore how traditional knowledge and ceremonies are vital in addressing the opioid and meth crises plaguing many First Nations communities.
The conversation is part of a broader series showcasing the impactful work of First Nations treatment centers. If you’re curious about how cultural practices and modern strategies can come together to tackle addiction, this episode is a must-listen.