The effects of intergenerational trauma, colonization, and genocide are numerous and include higher rates of health disparities such as substance use. The purpose of this research is to identify areas of resilience and empowerment in addiction recovery among Indigenous Peoples living in Saskatchewan, Canada. Community approval was sought from the Community Research Advisory Committee and network sampling was used for co-researcher recruitment. Co-researchers included individuals in sustained recovery of 12 months or more (n=5), Elders and Knowledge Keepers (n=2), and physicians (n=1). Indigenous story-telling was used during one-on-one interviews with co-researchers via phone call. Thematic analysis resulted in 12 themes identified from the interviews. These include trauma, systemic racism, gaps in care, role of physicians, health care needs, confidence, family support, peer support, spiritual care, resilience, culture and Elders, and words of advice. Co-researchers identified many areas of resilience and empowerment among Indigenous Peoples in addiction recovery including spirituality and prayer, and connection to culture, Elders, and traditional healing practices. Connecting with peers and family members who have been through similar recovery journeys and creating long-term, trusting relationships with physicians is also important for recovery. Development of addiction treatment models should consider the impact of colonization on substance use and integrate strengths-based approaches to care. It may also be useful to include connection to culture and traditional spirituality as methods to improve resilience and empowerment among Indigenous Peoples.
