Battlefords Treatment Centre staff, its clients, and community members gathered outside of Miwasin Kikanow in North Battleford for the Sober Walk to promote addiction recovery. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

STEPS TO SOBRIETY

‘I just want a better life’: Battlefords Sober Walk celebrates courage in recovery

Nov 26, 2024 | 5:01 PM

Battlefords Treatment Centre held its Sober Walk on Tuesday morning to raise awareness for National Addictions Awareness Week.

With each step taken in the biting cold, people were reminded of the courage it takes for those in recovery to confront their inner demons and to celebrate those who won.

One of the people in the crowd was Starla Swindler, now in her tenth month of sobriety.

“I just want a better life…I want it to be more positive and to be happy,” she said.

Swindler reflected on how her struggle with addiction stemmed from her childhood, which was overshadowed by her alcoholic parents.

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“There was a lot of alcohol in the house, physical violence, domestic violence…I’ve been pretty much through every kind of abuse [people] can think of.”

“My dad drank so much, leaving us without food, and having to go and borrow money or beg for food, my dad sobered up, and through him sobering up in his journey, he did become violent for a bit when we were small,” Swindler recalled.

Looking back on how substance abuse had marred a time that should have been filled with happiness and carefree moments, she developed an addiction to drugs like marijuana to numb the pain for almost 30 years.

With the help of Mobile Treatment and Warriors program, she is now free from the grip of drugs.

Starla Swindler (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

The Mobile Treatment Program, offered by Kanaweyimik Child & Family Services in collaboration with Poundmaker’s Lodge Treatment Centre, is a six-week day program that takes place directly within First Nations communities, making it easier for people to seek help for addiction without the need to travel long distances.

Following that is an aftercare service called the “Warrior” program. It is a 14-week program aiming to address intergenerational trauma, identify triggers, prevent relapse, and provide support for those in recovery.

“It helps me to understand where my trauma is coming from. It helps me to understand my addictions and my own culture for one, and to be proud of who I am,” she noted.

During the walk. (Kenneth Cheung /battlefordsNOW staff)

With successful cases like Swindler, along with 25 others who graduated from the programs, Brad Cardinal, executive director of the Center, said that they are planning to launch more mobile treatment programs for First Nations in Saskatchewan, aiming to enhance access to support and help break the cycle of addiction.

“Some of the Nations have already come forward saying this is what we’re needing and we’re saying, ‘Yes, absolutely, we’ll support you in that way.’ “ he noted.

As concerns arise about establishing treatment centers in residential areas, Cardinal hopes that the community will remember that those seeking help are striving for improvement and a better future.

“Would you rather have someone who’s actively drinking and using drugs living next door to you or someone who’s actively clean and sober and trying to better themselves? So it’s your choice. In the end, what would you like to support?” he asked.

Keenan Starr and Alexander John Little Bear are currently on their recovery journey at the Battleford Treatment Centre. They are optimistic about their progress and eager to start a new life. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

To shatter the cycle of generational trauma, Swindler made a conscious choice never to raise her children around alcohol, hoping that even her little efforts would lead to a healthier future for them.

“I’m gonna keep going with my sobriety and keep trying to help others,” she said.

The Sober Walk started at Miwasin Kikanow and ended at the Dekker Centre. It was followed by a luncheon for elders and leaders from different First Nations to share their thoughts on addiction and sobriety.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com