In this episode, award-winning journalist David P. Ball and First Nations Health Authority’s Medical Officer, Mental Health and Wellness, Dr. Nolan Hop Wo discuss the impact of stereotypes related to Indigenous people and alcohol use. Together, they speak with Beryl Parke, a Traditional Wellness Worker at First Nations Health Authority. Beryl is from the Haida Nation and belongs to the Sangalth Stastas Eagle Clan and is currently working in the Kwakwaka’wakw Territory on the lands of the We Wai Kai people in Cambell River, BC. Drawing on her personal experiences and knowledge from practicing in remote First Nations communities, Beryl discusses the importance of alcohol harm reduction and compassionate substance use care.

You can find additional resources and clinical pearls in the show notes: bit.ly/APP-S4E6

Art by Nevada Lynn

In this episode, award-winning journalist David P. Ball and award-winning family physician Dr. Robert Fox speak with Kali Sedgemore, the president of the Coalition of Peers Dismantling the Drug War and a skilled harm reductionist with a focus on supporting youth. Together, they discuss reasons for youth substance use and considerations for providers when meeting and caring for young people who use drugs. Kali also speaks to the intersection between Indigenous identity and safer access to substance use care, and about the strengths and resilience of youth.

You can find additional resources and clinical pearls in the show notes, including the article on youth harm reduction calls to action mentioned in the episode: bit.ly/APP-S4E5

Art by Satsi Naziel

In this episode, award-winning journalist David P. Ball and family physician Dr. Esther Tailfeathers speak with Maura Gowans, a counselling consultant for Indigenous people, about the role that connection to culture can play in healing and wellness. Together, they discuss the importance of bringing together traditional Indigenous approaches and Western approaches to substance use care in the context of the toxic drug crisis. Maura also describes how she creates safe spaces for clients and embeds cultural practices into her life and clinical practice.

You can find additional resources and clinical pearls from the episode in the show notes: bit.ly/APP-S4E4

Artwork by Satsi Naziel