***For Fort Peck, this class will be in-person on August 3rd, 2023, so there’s need to register!
Walking the Red Road
Acknowledging the Trauma of Addiction and the Hopes for Spiritual Recovery
from a Cultural, Holistic Lens
The medical model of addiction comprises biological, neurological, genetic, and environmental sources of origin. This class includes an examination of this medical model (disease model), then demonstrates how to incorporate that knowledge into a holistic model, addressing the entire person.
The Medicine Wheel Teachings include holistic health and wellness for healing. The Indigenous phrase “Walking the Red Road” is described in different ways. Kathleen Little Leaf’s model describes it as the journey one takes to self-discovery. “Walking the Red Road” is the path to understanding self, aligning with a higher power, being respectful, forgiving, and practicing humility.
The impact of addiction within Indigenous communities is examined including the lack of resources for rural communities, mental health, addiction as an individual disease – a family disease – a community disease, and the links between addiction, trauma, and suicide.
Utilizing therapeutic evidence-based interventions are helpful for recovery. These recovery treatment models are presented with the addition of a holistic model, embracing oral traditions, language, and tribal practices.
Walking the Red Road features healing attributes and inherent values found within Native American cultures, producing a more beneficial approach to substance use and recovery.
“A holistic perspective gives voice to the individual and family impacted and the trauma’s associated with Native American Historical trauma.” ~Kathleen Little Leaf