Indigenous recovery camps planned for healing

The Kindness To Others Renewal and Healing Centre is holding two, 28 day recovery camps for those who are looking to kick addiction in the Blackfoot Confederacy. The camps will include traditional healing ceremonies, which will be held in areas of the Blood Tribe. Alvin Mills, the group’s founder, says this is a great way to help those battling addictions, and allow for more healing.

Tyler Chief Calf will be graduating from Reeves College as an Addictions and Community Services Worker in September. He also worked as a volunteer for Sage Clan for three years, and he says this work has allowed him to help the community in his own job.

He adds that he’s lost close family members and friends to addictions, and he’s been 13 years sober himself. He’s going to be working with Mills for the recovery camps programs. He says he wants to give back to the community, “I want to find whatever way possible to help after seeing these young people going and passing away.”

Mills says there will be two different programs for men and women, “This is the ideal location to have a recovery camp. Those that are struggling with opioids or meth, they can come here away from the city.”

He adds that recovery camps like this have never been done before on the Blood Tribe. He says he is looking forward to the healing that will ensue for those who need it the most.

There will be two requirements for those who want to participate. They have to be sober for seven days, and have a desire to get into recovery. There will also be drug screening if needed.

“No one will be turned away. If you’re from the general public and you ask, we will accommodate,” adds Mills.

Registration for the camps will start next week.

You can reach Mills at 587-220-8393 for more information on the recovery camps.