jason Kirkwood

Falldowns, Misfits and Warriors-Addiction stories

jason Kirkwood

  • Episode 8 - Kerry Bellegarde Opoonechaw cohost- Celeste Huntley

Episode 8 - Kerry Bellegarde Opoonechaw cohost- Celeste Huntley

Monday 21st February 2022

Hear Kerry Bellegarde Opoonechaw's powerful story of overcoming childhood abuse and addiction to become an advocate for indigenous communities.
Explicit
62 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Transformative

About this podcast

Falldowns, Misfits and Warriors-Addiction stories
Author:
jason Kirkwood
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Success Stories
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Challenges in Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
9 (View all)
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Kerry's Fight: From Childhood Trauma to Advocacy

I let my son down, I let my whole family down and at that time I was selling... So me asking, the creator: was me getting my faith back?
Imagine growing up in a world where every day is a battle for survival. For Kerry Bellegarde Opoonechaw, this was her reality. In this gripping episode of 'Falldowns, Misfits and Warriors-Addiction stories', Kerry opens up about her harrowing journey through childhood abuse and her subsequent battle with addiction. Her story is not just about survival; it's about finding strength in the darkest of times and using that strength to fuel a life of activism and hope.
Kerry's early years were marked by severe emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Taken from her biological family, she was placed in an adoptive home where the abuse continued. However, amidst the turmoil, her grandmother became a beacon of love and taught her about the simplicity and beauty of country living. These moments provided Kerry with brief but crucial reprieves from her otherwise traumatic childhood. As she grew older, Kerry turned to alcohol as a means to cope with her past.
Her addiction spiraled, leading her down a path of self-destruction. But even at her lowest, Kerry's spirit remained unbroken. She sought solace in spirituality and prayer, which became the cornerstone of her recovery journey. Kerry didn't stop at just overcoming her personal demons. She channeled her pain into activism, particularly for indigenous communities. Her efforts led to the removal of a statue that symbolized pain for many, showcasing her commitment to making tangible changes.
Through public speaking and advocacy, Kerry continues to inspire others to find their voice and fight for justice. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Kerry's story reminds us that no matter how deep the scars, healing and transformation are possible. Tune in to hear her powerful narrative and discover how one woman's journey from despair to activism can ignite hope in us all.