Lea Wetzel: Embracing Indigenous Traditions in Recovery
Faith got them to do what they did and as they went, everything just kind of fell into place like it was meant to be.
Lea Wetzel, Montana's Peer Network's new Recovery Coach, brings a unique perspective to recovery with her rich indigenous traditions and experience as a White Bison Recovery Coach. In this episode of 'Recovery Talks', Lea shares her journey and the profound impact of her cultural heritage on her path to sobriety. She introduces listeners to White Bison, a non-profit organization founded by Don Coyhis, which spearheaded the Wellbriety Movement in the late 1980s.
This movement focuses on healing individuals and communities by shifting from a maintenance model to a recovery model in behavioral health. Lea delves into how faith inspired Don and other elders to initiate this transformative movement. She emphasizes the importance of cultural traditions and how they are kept alive through initiatives like the Warrior Down Talking Circle Support Group, which she leads.
Throughout the episode, Lea highlights White Bison's evidence-based practices and the critical role of connection in recovery, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. With Zoom becoming a vital tool for maintaining these connections, Lea encourages listeners to explore White Bison's resources and reach out for guidance. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how indigenous wisdom and modern recovery practices can intertwine to create a powerful support system for those on their recovery journey.