Cultural connections help clients engage in recovery
Overdose Outreach Teams (OOTs) recognize the opportunities and influence shared culture and traditions play in recovery for individuals who have experienced an overdose.
“Clients often feel more comfortable and value the Indigenous representation available through these services,” said Saskatoon OOT member Ashlee Suidak, Addictions Counselor Degree Senior, Mental Health and Addictions Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). “When we speak to clients about their previous experiences in treatment, they talk highly of specific cultural activities offered and the positive impact they’ve had.”
The Saskatoon OOT connects clients with the Métis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan Inc. (MACSI) for inpatient and outpatient addictions treatment and counselling or the Métis Nation-Saskatchewan’s Ma Faamii, known for its welcoming Métis-based décor. They also work closely with the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) Emergency Wellness Centre, which focuses on reducing barriers to accessing services by offering several at the shelter.
“Clients can access the services just by asking and are often seen immediately,” Suidak said.
Clients also benefit from OOT referrals to culturally-based programs and support services at STC’s White Buffalo Youth Lodge, the Cree Nations Treatment Haven at Sandy Lake, and North Thunderbird Counselling and Consulting in Saskatoon.
